Fluid and electrolyte disorders associated with diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma

DKA and HHNK are emergency conditions requiring quick medical care and nursing intervention. DKA can develop at any age and is most likely to occur in the insulin-dependent patient. The hallmark signs of DKA are a relative or absolute lack of insulin along with acidosis, ketosis, and hyperglycemia. Insulin and fluid and electrolyte therapy are initiated to control the hyperglycemia and prevent shock and further complications. The patient in HHNK presents with a very high serum glucose level (higher than in DKA), a high serum osmolarity, and usually no ketosis or acidosis. The patient may also experience more severe and sudden neurologic changes than those in DKA. Most patients who experience HHNK are older and may also have some other underlying disease process present. The nursing process should be used to correct the fluid and electrolyte imbalances and to prevent further complications in both DKA and HHNK. The patient needs to understand the reasons for his or her hyperglycemic crisis and how to prevent it from occurring in the future. Assessment of the patient's knowledge about diabetes is essential so that proper education can be incorporated into his or her plan of care.