During DKA management, is fingerstick glucose used to monitor treatment?

During DKA management, is fingerstick glucose used to monitor treatment?

• A. False
• B. Only after fluids
• C. True
• D. Not necessary

Answer: (C)

During DKA management, frequent glucose checks are essential because insulin therapy and IV fluids can cause rapid changes in blood sugar. Fingerstick (capillary) glucose provides immediate bedside feedback, allowing you to titrate the insulin infusion and adjust treatment to prevent hypoglycemia while ketosis resolves. In practice, you monitor hourly during IV insulin (often every 1–2 hours) and use those values to guide adjustments, while also following labs for electrolytes and acid-base status. This real-time monitoring with fingerstick glucose is a standard part of safely managing DKA.

During DKA management, frequent glucose checks are essential because insulin therapy and IV fluids can cause rapid changes in blood sugar. Fingerstick (capillary) glucose provides immediate bedside feedback, allowing you to titrate the insulin infusion and adjust treatment to prevent hypoglycemia while ketosis resolves. In practice, you monitor hourly during IV insulin (often every 1–2 hours) and use those values to guide adjustments, while also following labs for electrolytes and acid-base status. This real-time monitoring with fingerstick glucose is a standard part of safely managing DKA.