A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has the following laboratory test results; glucose 120; pH7.31; PCO2 33; serum potassium 5.3; urine ketones positive +3. Which should the nurse anticipate starting?

Rationale: A. regular insulin and normal saline: In diabetic ketoacidosis, the priority is fluid resuscitation with isotonic saline to correct dehydration and restore perfusion. Regular insulin is then started to reduce blood glucose and stop ketone production. B. 5% Dextrose: Dextrose is not given initially because the patient’s blood glucose is still elevated in DKA. It is introduced later in therapy once glucose levels fall to around 250 mg/dL, to prevent hypoglycemia while continuing insulin therapy. C. Regular insulin and 5% dextrose: Insulin is needed, but dextrose would not be appropriate at this stage because glucose is already significantly elevated. Giving dextrose too early would worsen hyperglycemia and delay correction of ketoacidosis. D. Normal Saline: Normal saline alone helps correct dehydration but does not address the underlying problem of insulin deficiency. Without insulin therapy, ketosis and acidosis would persist despite fluid replacement.