Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the PCCN exam with quizzes. Test yourself with flashcards and multiple-choice questions including explanations. Get ready to excel!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the initial treatment for a 45-year old woman admitted with type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibiting signs of DKA?

  1. Diazoxide (Hyperstat) to inhibit the release of insulin

  2. Glucose for hypoglycemia

  3. Insulin therapy for ketoacidosis, fluid and electrolyte replacement

  4. Intravenous fluids for dehydration and glucose for hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Insulin therapy for ketoacidosis, fluid and electrolyte replacement

The initial treatment for a patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) focuses primarily on addressing the underlying metabolic derangements associated with the condition. DKA is characterized by significant hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis, typically occurring in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Insulin therapy is essential to lower blood glucose levels and halt the production of ketones. By administering insulin, the body can start utilizing glucose for energy again instead of fat, thereby reducing ketone formation and correcting acidosis. Additionally, fluid replacement is critical as patients with DKA are often dehydrated due to osmotic diuresis caused by high blood sugars. Electrolyte replacement is also a priority because conditions like hypokalemia can develop as a consequence of both acidosis and treatment strategies. While intravenous fluids and electrolyte management are part of the broader treatment plan, the inclusion of insulin therapy specifically targets the hyperglycemia and ketosis that define DKA. This multifaceted approach allows for a more rapid resolution of the acute crisis compared to simply addressing fluid losses or glucose levels in isolation.