Correction of hypokalemia induced by insulin infusion in treatment of DKA

Normal serum k+ -----------(3.5 - 5 meq/L)
• Serum k+ is measured every hour during treatment of DKA
• amount of k+ given is determined according to serum k+ level

serum k+ (meq/l)                  amount of k+ given (meq)

     < 3                                                 40

     3 - 4                                               30

     4 - 5                                               20

     5 - 6                                               10

     > 6                                                 0

Monitoring of serum k+ is continued every hour even after stoppage of  k+ administration to avoid recurrent hypokalemia

N.B. Due to hyperosmolarity of k+ solution ,it must be diluted.