Role of Nurses in the Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis: a Narrative Review

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), as an acute situation, is one of the life-threatening complications of diabetes. The effective management of DKA affects patient outcomes. The present study aimed to identify and highlight the role of nurses in DKA management.

This study is a narrative review. The related articles were identified during a comprehensive search in electronic databases using the keywords, and after review, their important and widely used points were presented.

Nurses play a key role in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of DKA. The identified roles include striking a fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting the insulin dose received by the patient, and designing a discharge plan to prevent the recurrence of DKA.

The management of ketoacidosis is an interdisciplinary teamwork where nurses play a crucial role in identifying, controlling, as well as preventing the progression and recurrence of symptoms. For the successful management of ketoacidosis, it is necessary to employ skilled and knowledgeable nurses.