1. Insulin Drips
Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a severe insulin deficiency that leads
the body fat to obtain glucose
Without insulin, fluids and electrolyte replacement, patients
are at risk for life-threatening complications, including CNS
depression and coma
The patient with DKA may have a number of manifestations
The definitive diagnosis of DKA consists of:
• Hyperglycemia (> 250 mg/dl)
• Low serum bicarbonate (< 15 meg/L)
• Low pH (< 7.3) with ketonemia & moderate ketouria

2. Insulin Drips (continued)
Stable medical patients are monitored on a clinically appropriate
nursing unit
Stable pediatric patients are monitored on 3 South
Unstable patients are monitored in CCU
Physician’s responsibilities include:
 Decides if patient is stable enough to
be monitored on the floor or if they
will be monitored in CCU
 Writes specific orders for the Insulin
Drip

3. Insulin Drips (continued)
Licensed Practical Nurse responsibilities include:
• Monitor Blood Glucose as assigned by RN
• Notify RN of blood glucose results
Registered Nurse responsibilities include:
• Clarify orders PRN
• Initiates Insulin Drip (verified by 2 RN’s)
• Monitor blood glucose as ordered and PRN
• Titrate Insulin Drip as ordered
• Hang new Insulin Drip bags PRN

4. Insulin Drips (continued)
 Place Insulin Drip on IV pump as primary IV and
use drug list to increase patient safety
 If the patient has another IV order, these need to
be placed on separate pumps
 Insulin Infusions and pumps are clearly labeled
 Only Regular Insulin may be used for IV infusions