What is a common symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis that a nurse should monitor?

Elevated blood glucose levels are a hallmark symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and should be closely monitored by a nurse. DKA occurs primarily in individuals with type 1 diabetes, although it can occur in type 2 diabetes under specific conditions. In this condition, a lack of insulin leads to an inability to utilize glucose effectively for energy, resulting in high levels of glucose in the blood.

This hyperglycemia is often significantly elevated, usually above 250 mg/dL, and can reach extremely high levels, leading to various metabolic disturbances. In conjunction with elevated glucose levels, the body begins to break down fat for fuel, leading to the production of ketones and causing acidosis. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose is critical in detecting and managing DKA effectively, as timely intervention can prevent severe complications and promote stabilization of the patient's condition.