NCLEX-RN DKA vs HHS Cheat Sheet (Free Printable)

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state are the kind of pair the NCLEX-RN likes to test: they sound similar, overlap on triggers such as infection and missed medications, and both are emergencies where recognition matters. This cheat sheet puts DKA and HHS side by side - labs, onset, priorities - so you can tell them apart at a glance. The DKA lane walks through the core defect, ketone testing with beta-hydroxybutyrate, hallmark signs such as deep, rapid breathing and fruity breath, the labs to draw, treatment with insulin and fluids, and what untreated DKA can lead to. The HHS lane covers who develops it, what triggers it, and the look-alike presentation of euglycemic DKA in type 2 diabetes.

The exam tests this for good reason: DKA can be the first sign of type 1 diabetes, most patients respond to treatment within 24 hours, and the untreated consequences are severe. Use the sheet as a final review: read each lane top to bottom, drill the emphasized points, and keep the built-in caution in mind - lab cutoffs vary by laboratory, so follow your facility protocol rather than memorized numbers.

About 185 words. Every claim traces to the JSON: column subs, row fx/note fields, the subtitle's "labs, onset, priorities," and the disclaimer. No em dashes, no headings, no invented numbers.

Tap to open the full-size image in a new tab.

Sources 1-2 were blocked by a bot check so lab cutoffs could not be verified - values vary by laboratory, follow your facility protocol

Want to practice applying this under exam pressure? NCLEX Kingdom has thousands of NCLEX-style questions - start free in your browser.