Nursing Care for Diabetic Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis(DKA) : Two Case Studies

Abstract

     This study was case study aimed to study and compare two case studies for obtaining the guidelines for providing nursing care for diabetic patients with DKA. It was a comparative study of two case studies, starting from the crisis period, the recovery period, the continuing care period, and the discharge planning period. Data were collected from inpatient medical records. The concept of patient assessment according to Gordon’s 11 Functional Health Patterns was employed. The patient problems were investigated, and the nursing diagnosis was determined to plan nursing practice. Finally, the nursing outcomes were summarized and assessed.

     Results: In this study, two diabetic patients with DKA were studied. Both cases were admitted to the Male Medical Ward 1. The similarity of both patients was having type 2 diabetes mellitus with DKA, a critical condition of diabetes that must be treated by having intravenous fluids and insulin and adjusting insulin according to blood sugar levels. The differences were as follows. The first case study had DKA with coma and critical complications in many systems, so it was more difficult in giving treatment. He had to receive treatment in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, taking a long time to recover. However, the second case had DKA without coma and complications, so took less time to recover.