Question

A 37-year-old female with a history of diabetes presents with excessive urination and weakness of 2 days' duration. Her blood glucose level reads 320 mg/dL. If this patient's condition is not promptly treated, she will MOST likely develop:

1) severe insulin shock.
2) acidosis and dehydration.
3) irreversible renal failure.
4) hypoxia and overhydration.

Answer 1

The 37-year-old female is likely to develop acidosis and dehydration if her elevated blood glucose level is not treated swiftly because the high sugar levels will lead to excessive urine production and potential ketoacidosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 37-year-old female with a history of diabetes presenting with excessive urination (polyuria) and weakness, along with a blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL, if not promptly treated, will most likely develop acidosis and dehydration. The condition occurs due to impaired insulin function, which can be due to either insufficient production of insulin or reduced cellular sensitivity to insulin. This results in hyperglycemia, where high levels of blood glucose prevent reabsorption by the kidneys, leading to high urine output and subsequently to dehydration. Additionally, the body may start to burn fat for energy, leading to the production of ketone bodies and ketoacidosis, further contributing to acidosis.