Question

The nurse smells a sweet fruity odor on the breath of a client admitted with DM. This odor may be associated with?

a. Alcohol intoxication
b. Insulin shock
c. Ketoacidosis
d. Hypoglycemia

Answer 1

The sweet fruity odor on the breath of a client with DM is associated with ketoacidosis, which is the accumulation of ketone bodies due to insufficient carbohydrate intake. This leads to the exhalation of acetone, giving a characteristic sweet smell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sweet fruity odor on the breath of a client with DM is associated with ketoacidosis, which is option c. When the body does not receive enough carbohydrate, it starts to break down fatty acids for energy, leading to an increase in the concentration of acetyl-CoA. This excess acetyl-CoA cannot be oxidized by the citric acid cycle and results in the formation of ketone bodies. The acetone, one of the ketone bodies, is expelled in the breath and gives the characteristic sweet smell.