Stage 5 — Take action. Potassium is now 3.8 mmol/L. Place the high-alert insulin actions in the safest sequence.

Quick answer
Verify potassium and the high-alert setup, start insulin, monitor closely, then add dextrose without stopping ketone-clearing therapy too early.

Why this is correct
The sequence prevents hypokalemia and infusion error while ensuring that glucose, ketones, electrolytes, and acidosis guide treatment. Dextrose permits continued insulin after glucose falls.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Use a launch checklist: confirm the runway, perform the dual equipment check, launch, watch every gauge, and add fuel support before glucose falls too far.

Memory hook
Threshold, double-check, start, trend, add dextrose.

NCLEX decision rule
For high-alert insulin in DKA, verify eligibility and delivery before starting; continue metabolic monitoring until ketosis and acidosis resolve, not merely until glucose improves.

Why the other choices are wrong
Starting before the potassium and infusion checks risks harm. Adding dextrose or interpreting recovery before scheduled reassessment puts later actions ahead of safety prerequisites.