When glucose levels reach 200 mg/dL during DKA treatment, what is added?

In the context of treating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), once glucose levels reach around 200 mg/dL, dextrose is added to the treatment regimen. This is primarily to prevent hypoglycemia, ensuring that blood sugar levels do not drop too low while the insulin therapy continues to manage ketone bodies and correct the metabolic acidosis.

As insulin is administered, glucose levels can decrease rapidly. If levels fall too low, it can lead to serious complications, making the addition of dextrose essential to maintain a safe and stable glucose level. This approach allows for the continued correction of hyperglycemia and DKA without risking hypoglycemia, which is particularly important for patient safety and effective management of their condition.

The other options, such as insulin, saline, and potassium, play critical roles in the initial management of DKA, particularly in the rehydration process and electrolyte balance, but it is the introduction of dextrose that specifically addresses the stabilization of blood glucose levels once they drop to this threshold.