When treating a patient with moderate diabetic ketoacidosis, which subcutaneous insulin regimen is recommended?

When addressing moderate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the primary goal is to restore metabolic control and address the underlying issues leading to the acidosis. In the management of DKA, insulin is vital for both lowering blood glucose levels and correcting the metabolic derangements associated with the condition.

For a subcutaneous regimen, regular insulin is typically favored because it has a well-established pharmacokinetic profile for managing acute cases. Option D correctly utilizes regular insulin but the initial dose is essential to consider; whereas option B incorrectly specifies the use of insulin aspart, which may not provide the rapid and consistent glucose control required for managing moderate DKA effectively as a single regimen.

The ideal regimen involves an initial bolus followed by a continuous infusion to maintain steady state levels that could more safely address the metabolic needs of patients experiencing DKA. Moreover, other insulin formulations like insulin glargine are primarily long-acting and are not preferred for immediate management due to their slower onset of action.

The combination of an appropriate initial bolus and subsequent hourly dosing is crucial for effective management. Therefore, the correct regimen effectively combines a suitable starting dose of regular insulin with ongoing support to ensure proper management of blood glucose levels while treating the underlying acidosis.