A nurse is discussing risk factors for diabetes mellitus in children with a group of parents.
Select all the factors that increase the risk of diabetes in children.

Choice A rationale:

Education on insulin therapy is a fundamental aspect of DKA management.

Insulin is a crucial component in treating DKA as it helps lower elevated blood glucose levels and corrects the ketosis and acidosis.

It is essential for the patient and their family to understand how insulin works, how to administer it, and when to administer it.

Proper insulin therapy can prevent further complications and guide the management of DKA.

Choice B rationale:

Focusing solely on dietary recommendations is not appropriate in the initial management of DKA.

While dietary management is important for long-term diabetes care, it is not the primary focus during the acute phase of DKA.

The priority is to address the high blood glucose levels and ketoacidosis, which is best achieved through insulin therapy and fluid resuscitation.

Choice C rationale:

Avoiding discussions about blood glucose monitoring is not recommended.

Blood glucose monitoring is a critical aspect of DKA management.

It helps healthcare providers determine the effectiveness of insulin therapy and the patient's response to treatment.

Avoiding these discussions would be detrimental to the patient's care.

Choice D rationale:

Neglecting to mention the risk of cerebral edema is not appropriate in DKA education.

Cerebral edema is a severe complication of DKA that can be life-threatening.

It is crucial to inform the patient and their family about this risk so they can seek prompt medical attention if symptoms occur.

Neglecting to mention this risk could lead to delayed treatment and potential harm to the patient.

Choice A rationale:

Fluid resuscitation with 0.9% saline is indeed a crucial part of the initial management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

DKA often results in severe dehydration due to excessive urination and can lead to a state of shock.

The administration of normal saline helps to rehydrate the patient and restore adequate blood volume.

Choice B rationale:

Electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia, are common in DKA.

When a person has DKA, there is a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes through excessive urination.

This loss can lead to low potassium levels, which can be life-threatening.

Therefore, monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances, including potassium, is essential in the treatment of DKA.

Choice C rationale:

Insulin therapy is crucial in the treatment of DKA.

This choice is incorrect because insulin helps to reverse the metabolic processes that lead to ketone formation and hyperglycemia in DKA.

By administering insulin, the body can utilize glucose for energy, reduce blood glucose levels, and stop the production of ketones.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring blood glucose and electrolyte levels is essential during the treatment of DKA.

Frequent monitoring allows healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of treatment, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the patient's safety.

It helps in tracking the response to insulin therapy and The correction of electrolyte imbalances.

Choice E rationale:

Children with DKA are indeed at risk for complications.

This choice is incorrect because DKA can lead to a range of complications, including cerebral edema, which is more common in children.

Cerebral edema is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication that highlights the importance of vigilant management and monitoring in pediatric DKA cases.