Final answer:
A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis would likely exhibit hypoinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and acidosis due to the deficient insulin level and overproduction of ketone bodies. An initial increase in potassium levels may be present, which can decrease with treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), you would expect to see hypoinsulinemia, an initial increase in potassium levels (which may decrease with treatment), hyperglycemia, and acidosis. DKA occurs when insulin levels are too low, and the body begins to break down fats as a source of energy, leading to an overproduction of ketone bodies such as acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. These ketone bodies are acidic, and their accumulation in the blood leads to an acidotic state.
Furthermore, the lack of insulin causes hyperglycemia as glucose cannot enter cells and builds up in the blood. Also, since insulin helps move potassium into cells, a deficiency can initially cause elevated blood potassium levels. Over time, the treatment of DKA with insulin and rehydration may lead to a decrease in potassium levels due to shifts back into the cells and losses through urine.