Question

A patient with diabetes in ketoacidosis has a specific odor to the breath. Which one of the following compounds is responsible for this odor?

1) Acetone
2) Ethanol
3) Methanol
4) Formaldehyde

Answer 1

The compound responsible for the specific odor of the breath in a patient with diabetes in ketoacidosis is acetone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The compound responsible for the specific odor of the breath in a patient with diabetes in ketoacidosis is acetone. When the acetone in the blood reaches the lungs, it is expelled in the breath, resulting in a sweet smell. This sweet smell is frequently noticed on the breath of severely diabetic patients.