Final answer:
Parents of a child with diabetes should watch for symptoms of ketoacidosis such as deep, rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, dry skin and mouth, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, which could lead to a diabetic coma if not addressed promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that can occur in children with diabetes, sometimes triggered by illness, such as cold symptoms. Parents should be alert for signs and symptoms that may signal the onset of ketoacidosis. These include deep, rapid breathing as the body tries to correct the high acidity in the blood, and fruity-smelling breath which is an indicator of the presence of acetone in the exhaled air.
Additionally, symptoms like dry skin and mouth, flushed face, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain also suggest the possibility of DKA. These signs are critical as they may precede diabetic coma, which can be fatal. A missed dose of insulin can also trigger ketoacidosis. It is crucial to maintain proper daily insulin administration to prevent such complications.