What should NOT be given to someone in a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) coma?

In cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the patient's hyperglycemia is a critical issue, and the condition often involves significant metabolic disturbances. Dextrose, which is a form of glucose, should not be administered to a person in a DKA coma because it can worsen the hyperglycemic state by increasing blood sugar levels. The primary goal in treating DKA is to reverse the metabolic derangements by providing insulin, fluids, and electrolyte replacement to correct dehydration and restore normal metabolic function.

When a patient is in DKA, their bodies are unable to utilize glucose effectively due to a lack of insulin, leading to the production of ketones, acidosis, and severe dehydration. Therefore, introducing more glucose through dextrose can exacerbate these symptoms instead of providing beneficial effects. The effective management of DKA requires careful monitoring of glucose and ketone levels, which can be compromised by unnecessary glucose administration.