Diabetic Ketoacidosis

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Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Insulin is a vital compound in the body, and its absence may result in health complications for patients if treatment is not sought in time. DKA or Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a type of diabetes that manifests because of the lack of insulin in the human body. It is prevalent and common in individuals are already with diagnosed Type I diabetes that is characterized by the insufficient insulin in the blood. Ketoacidosis is also associated with low levels of glucose reaching the cells. The inability of the cells to produce energy from sugar results in the breakdown of fats. Ketones are a product of burn fatty acids, and they are deposited in the blood disrupting the average chemical composition (Chiasson et al. 110). People with insulin deficiency should seek medical attention the moment they exhibit symptoms such as continuous vomiting for more than two hours. Some of the physical characteristics of DKA is that patients experience fatigue and they skins are dry, and this are signs of dehydration.
Experts have mentioned that individuals with DKA are likely to develop breathing complications and in extreme cases culminate into pulmonary edema. Additionally, the body reacts by excess urination to dispel the buildup ketones and salts such as sodium and potassium which are eventually depleted causing nausea. DKA is a severe condition and patients are at risk of coma and death if it is untreated.
Describe respiratory treatments or interventions in the disease:
The treatment of DKS will depend on the severity of the situation, but since insulin deficiency is one of the primary causes, patients have prescribed insulin injections (Glaser, et al.

264). Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing is one of the symptoms associated with respiratory conditions linked to Diabetic Ketoacidosis. This can be treated through the prescription of drugs that monitor blood pressure. In some cases, oxygen is supplied with a nasal cannula to help in the deficiency of air in the lungs.
What would your patient’s lung sounds be with this disease?
As mentioned earlier, shortness of breath is one of the vital signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and is characterized by a hissing sound when breathing or sleeping. Additionally, their case where the patients may develop deep and labored respirations.
Describe a Chest x-ray for this disease:
Another symptom of Diabetic Ketoacidosis is severe vomiting that may be evident from the chest x-ray (Glaser et al. 300). Physicians have administered x-ray to identify the presence of pulmonary edema brought by the complications of DKA.
What Laboratory values would the physician order to make a differential diagnosis in this disease:
Tests are carried on the urine and blood to identify the presence of ketones, and in some case, an x-ray may be administered by the physician.
Would this patient’s oxygenation be effected? If yes how? What oxygen device would be appropriate for this patient?
Due to the shortness of breath, the patient may suffer from deficiency in oxygen levels requiring the help of a ventilator with and oxygen tube down the trachea. The additional supply of oxygen will make up for the deficiency.
What would the Respiratory Therapists role be in this disease or condition?
In this case, DKA may cause pulmonary edema that is characterized by difficulties in the respiratory system (Chiasson et al.860) Therefore a respiratory therapist will come in handy to monitor progress and prevent any chances of the condition worsening.
Works Cited
Chiasson, Jean-Louis, et al. “Diagnosis and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and the hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state.” Canadian Medical Association Journal 168.7 (2003): 859-866.
Glaser, Nicole, et al. “Risk factors for cerebral edema in children with diabetic ketoacidosis.” New England Journal of Medicine 344.4 (2001): 264-269.