NURSING CARE FOR ADULT PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS IN AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

This article sought to outline the nursing care provided to adult patients with diabetic ketoacidosis in an intensive care unit. The methodology used is an integrative literature review, through searches in public archives from 2015 to 2025, in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Google Scholar, the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and in journals written in Portuguese and English. In total, 16 archives were used for the research, which were selected according to the purpose of this study. The analyses were focused on the main themes related to the research proposal. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the professional performance of the nurse in relation to the care of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, since the severity of the pathology highlights the need for awareness and specific care, especially in the ICU. The main results showed that nursing professionals play an essential role in assisting patients admitted to the ICU. Regarding individuals with diabetic acidosis, nursing practices consist of carrying out actions such as: correcting acidosis, administering insulin, rehydrating, controlling glucose levels, replacing electrolytes, educating patients and families, providing support and monitoring mechanical ventilation, among other activities. Thus, it is concluded that the care of patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is still worrying and challenging, but it is in this aspect that the work of a multidisciplinary team becomes important, especially nurses, since these professionals contribute to the reduction of complications and to the improvement in the quality of life of DM patients.