Question

When assessing an unresponsive diabetic patient, the primary visible difference between hyperglycemia...

A) Increased heart rate
B) Shallow breathing
C) Sweet odor on breath
D) Pale skin

Answer 1

The primary visible difference between hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis in an unresponsive diabetic patient is shallow breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary visible difference between hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis in an unresponsive diabetic patient is shallow breathing (option B). Ketoacidosis is a condition that can occur in diabetics when there is a lack of insulin, causing the body to break down fat for energy and produce ketones. This leads to an increase in blood acidity, resulting in shallow and rapid breathing as the body tries to compensate for the acidosis. Other symptoms such as fruity odor on breath, pale skin, and increased heart rate may also be present, but shallow breathing is the most primary and visible difference.