Question

A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following results should the nurse expect?

Answer 1

In diabetic ketoacidosis, the breakdown of fatty acids for energy leads to the formation of ketone bodies, which increase the acidity of the blood and decrease the normal pH levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ketoacidosis occurs most frequently in people with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. In this condition, the breakdown of fatty acids for energy leads to the formation of ketone bodies such as acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and acetone. These ketone bodies increase the acidity of the blood, resulting in a decrease in normal pH levels. Therefore, the nurse should expect a decrease in the normal pH value of the client's blood in diabetic ketoacidosis.