Caring For a Patient in A&E with DKA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Caring For a Patient in A&E with DKA - Essay Example the situation of the patient, the analysis of feelings, evaluation of the experience, analysis to make sense of the experience, conclusion where other points are considered and reflection upon experience to examine what you would do if situation arose again. The case I have chosen to discuss in this assignment is about Mrs. X, a 29 year old woman. The name of the patient and the place will not be disclosed throughout the assignment for the purpose of anonymity and confidentiality. Mrs. E was brought into our Accident and Emergency Race Track-Majors department complaining of feeling generally ill for 3 days. She was apparently suffering from intermittent abdominal pain and constant vomiting. She was pale with dry cracked lips and very weak. Due to the busy A&E Department, the patient waited for 30 minutes before being assessed by myself. Temperature was 37.3 degree celcius, blood pressure 109/67, pulse rate was 89 per minute and respiratory rate was 28 per minute. Blood sugar level was 22.7 mmol/l and urine dip stick revealed plus 3 ketones, plus 3 of Glucose and traces of protein. Blood ketone levels as determined by ketone strip were 5.8 mmol/l. I made a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and shifted her to the resuscitation room where further treatment was rendered. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition that frequently requires hospitalization in those with type 1 diabetes and is the most common cause of diabetes-related death in children (Della Manna et al 2005). Diabetic ketoacidosis may be defined as a state of absolute or relative insulin deficiency aggravated by ensuing hyperglycemia, dehydration, and acidosis-induced derangements in intermediary metabolism (Rucker 2006). It most commonly occurs in type-1 diabetes. It is characterized by hyperglycemia over 300mg/dl, low bicarbonate (15mEq/L) and acidosis (pH