The prevalence of diabetes mellitus makes the occurrence of hyperglycemic emergencies a key component in clinical practice. The expert nurse is well positioned to manage both diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. Patient care management includes a high index of suspicion for awareness for the possibility of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states in patients based on a multifactorial etiology, evidence-based treatment of the emergent episode, and tertiary prevention to prevent recurrent episodes.

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©2006 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
2006
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