DKA Management Algorithm | USMLE Step 1 & Step 2 High-Yield Endocrine

Added: 2026-05-01

[00:00:05]Unresponsive, blood sugar 620, pH 7.1, breathing like he's in a wind tunnel.

[00:00:09]That's not respiratory distress, Brody.

[00:00:11]That's Kussmaul. Welcome to DKA, the body's version of a metabolic meltdown.

[00:00:15]>> [snorts and laughter] >> I smell fruit. Fruity breath, acid blood, glucose through the roof. It's like a toxic Jamba Juice in here. Okay, okay. So, we give fluids first, right?

[00:00:24]Bingo. They're dry enough to powder.

[00:00:26]Hydrate first, then burn the sugar.

[00:00:27]Wait, don't we have to correct potassium first, or sodium, or pH, or Brody, it's not a cooking show. One thing at a time.

[00:00:33]What comes after fluids?

[00:00:36]Big brain time, Brody. What's the next move? Oh god, not another multiple choice question.