What should be monitored when treating DKA with insulin?

When managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with insulin therapy, it is crucial to monitor both blood glucose and potassium levels. Insulin administration promotes the uptake of glucose by cells, which lowers blood glucose levels. However, it also influences potassium levels because insulin facilitates the movement of potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, potentially leading to hypokalemia.

In a DKA situation, patients might have elevated potassium levels at first due to cellular dehydration and acidosis but as treatment progresses, particularly with insulin, potassium levels can drop significantly. Therefore, monitoring these two parameters is essential to avoid complications associated with hypoglycemia or hypokalemia.

Vital signs play a role in the overall assessment of the patient's stability and may indicate the need for additional interventions, but they do not directly address the biochemical changes that occur during DKA treatment. Thus, the correct focus is indeed on both the blood glucose and potassium levels, making thorough monitoring vital to ensure safe and effective management of the condition.