Pediatric DKA ... Critical Assessments

in the ED

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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life threatening emergency seen frequently in the emergency room. As a nurse leader in the ER, I encountered a few situations in the last year where nurses in our department needed to expand their knowledge related to recognizing DKA in previously undiagnosed pediatric patients.

 

As a way to educate both myself and team members I created a power point slide of important facts surrounding DKA in children key assessment points for nurses to be aware of.

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               Why is recognizing DKA in children so important?

                         DKA occurs in approximately 40% of children with new-onset diabetes - Diabetes Canda

 

Given the prevalence of DKA in new onset diabetes it is an essential tool for nurses of all skill levels working in the ED to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of this sometimes fatal condition.

 

I hope you enjoy learning from the slideshow below.