Question

The patient presents to the emergency department with a glucose level of 400 mg/dL, ketone result of 2+, and rapid respirations with a fruity odor. What finding do you anticipate?

A. pH below 7.30
B. Urine specific gravity below 1.005
C. High sodium bicarbonate levels
D. Low blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level

Answer 1

The finding to anticipate in this case is a pH below 7.30.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the patient's glucose level of 400 mg/dL along with ketones and fruity odor in their breath indicates a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA occurs in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, where the body breaks down fatty acids for energy instead of glucose, resulting in the production of ketone bodies. The accumulation of ketone bodies leads to an increase in blood acidity (low pH). Therefore, the finding to anticipate in this case is a pH below 7.30.