Pediatric Emergency Medicine Didactics and Simulation (PEMDAS): Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening illness which classically presents with polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia that can rapidly progress to severe dehydration and altered mental status from cerebral edema. Younger patients may present with subtle or atypical symptoms that are critical to recognize and emergently act upon. Such patients are often cared for by teams in the emergency department (ED) requiring multidisciplinary collaboration.

This simulation case was designed for pediatric emergency medicine fellows and residents. The case was a 14-month-old male who presented to the ED with respiratory distress and dehydration. The team was required to perform an assessment, manage airway, breathing and circulation, and recognize and initiate treatment for DKA including judicious fluid administration and an insulin infusion. The patient developed altered mental status with signs of cerebral edema requiring the initiation of cerebral protection strategies. We created a debriefing guide and a participant evaluation form.

Forty-two participants completed this simulation across seven institutions including attendings, residents, fellows, and nurses. The scenario was rated by participants on a 5-point Likert scale and was generally well received (M = 5.0). Participants rated the simulation case as effective in teaching how to recognize (M = 4.8) and manage (M = 4.5) DKA with cerebral edema in a pediatric patient.

This simulation represents a resource for learners in the pediatric ED in the recognition and management of a toddler with DKA and can be adapted to learners at all levels and tailored to various learning environments.