Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus in children and requires timely and structured management to prevent morbidity and mortality. Inconsistency in clinical practice and delayed recognition of complications may negatively affect patient outcomes. Evidence-based clinical nursing guidelines can improve the quality and consistency of care provided to children with DKA.
This study aimed to assess the impact of an evidence-based nursing guideline on clinical outcomes among children diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis. A quasi-experimental study design was used, including two groups: a control group receiving routine hospital care and an intervention group receiving care based on an evidence-based nursing guideline.
The guideline included structured nursing assessment, continuous monitoring of vital signs and neurological status, blood glucose monitoring, fluid balance monitoring, and early detection and management of complications. Clinical outcomes including blood glucose level, blood pH, neurological status, and duration of hospital stay were compared between the control and intervention groups.