DKA vs HHS Breakdown

Two pathways of the endocrine storm

Let's break down the test prep form

DKA is Type One,

a rapid-onset fight No insulin at all,

the ketones take flight

Lipolysis burns fat, creates the acid state

Kussmaul breathing fast to compensate And the breath smells sweet like a

fruity plate

Now HHS is Type Two,

a slower creeping climb Extreme dehydration over days of time Enough insulin

to stop the ketone spark

But the glucose climbs past six hundred in the dark Osmotic diuresis

leaves a heavy mark

Know your values, lock them in your mind DKA has ketones,

pH low we find Bicarbonate is down below fifteen tonight While HHS

has serum osmolality high No ketones in the urine,

keep your focus bright

Diagnostics show the gap,

anion gap is wide For DKA we track the metabolic slide With

potassium we watch the shift and fall Replace it first if low,

or do not treat at all Insulin will drive it straight inside

the cell wall

First priority: normal saline hydration Then regular insulin for glucose regulation When

sugar hits two-fifty, add dextrose to the line To prevent cerebral edema,

keep the brain fine Monitor the neuro status,

urine output on time

Know your values, lock them in your mind DKA has ketones,

pH low we find Bicarbonate is down below fifteen tonight

While HHS has serum osmolality high No ketones in the urine,

keep your focus bright

Watch the potassium, keep the heart in line Fluids first,

then insulin, you'll do fine

Pass that NCLEX, nursing minds unite (yeah)