title: Diabetic ketoacidosis: implications for the medical-surgical nurse.
abstract: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus. DKA accounts for a significant portion of annual health care expenditures and is considered a medical emergency. Previously treated in the ICU, DKA is now treated on general medical-surgical nursing units. To manage this crisis successfully, medical-surgical nurses must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment protocols. A critical pathway is presented to guide clinical care.
authors.affiliation: Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health, St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grinslade
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Buck
mesh_terms: D019091:Critical Pathways; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000379:methods*