What are classic signs of DKA?

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Multiple Choice

What are classic signs of DKA?

Explanation:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes severe metabolic acidosis from insulin deficiency and ketone production, and the body responds with compensatory breathing to blow off CO2. That rapid, deep breathing pattern—Kussmaul respirations—is a hallmark sign of the acidosis. The acetone produced with ketone bodies also imparts a fruity breath, another classic clue. Together, these signs point to the metabolic disturbance of DKA more than other symptoms like nausea or confusion, which can occur but aren’t as distinctive. End-stage dehydration and tachycardia can accompany DKA, but the combination of fruity breath and Kussmaul respirations best identifies the condition.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) causes severe metabolic acidosis from insulin deficiency and ketone production, and the body responds with compensatory breathing to blow off CO2. That rapid, deep breathing pattern—Kussmaul respirations—is a hallmark sign of the acidosis. The acetone produced with ketone bodies also imparts a fruity breath, another classic clue. Together, these signs point to the metabolic disturbance of DKA more than other symptoms like nausea or confusion, which can occur but aren’t as distinctive. End-stage dehydration and tachycardia can accompany DKA, but the combination of fruity breath and Kussmaul respirations best identifies the condition.

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