Utilization of Orem's self care theory for nursing care of childhood patients with diabetic ketoacidosis: case study

Abstract

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a critical and emergency complication in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and resulting in a high rate of death. In this study, two cases of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis patients were reported. There are two female pediatric patients, 8 and 12 years old, who have been physical stressed from infection leading to absolute insulin deficiency. Common symptoms such as frequent urination, low blood glucose level, shortness of breath or rapid and deep breathing were causes of hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis. Patients receive nursing care based on Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theoretical Framework to improving patients' health outcomes through nurses' contributions. The nursing practices, adequate fluids, insulin, and oxygen, antibiotics and maintaining the balancing of blood sugar levels were provided in the emergency and critical condition. The results of nursing practices shown that blood glucose level returned to conventional levels, improves blood circulation and breathing and high patient recovers. The distribute patient plan was conducted by teaching patients and patient’s parent to take care of themselves about eating, exercising, insulin injection, blood glucose levels surveillance and infection prevention. Patients are making an appointment for a follow-up examination in 1 week.