ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis?

1. Dehydration

2. High blood glucose

3. Fruity breath

4. High blood pressure

The correct answer is: High blood pressure

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication typically associated with uncontrolled diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes. It is characterized by a triad of metabolic derangements: hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), acidosis (elevated ketones in the blood and urine), and dehydration due to osmotic diuresis. The signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include dehydration, which occurs as the body loses water through excessive urination caused by high blood sugar levels. High blood glucose is a hallmark of DKA because the body lacks adequate insulin to facilitate glucose uptake into cells. Fruity breath is another classic sign due to the accumulation of ketones, specifically acetone, which is a byproduct of fat metabolism. High blood pressure, however, is not a typical sign of diabetic ketoacidosis. In many cases, patients might actually present with low blood pressure due to dehydration and volume depletion as fluids are lost. Therefore, high blood pressure does not align with the common clinical manifestations of DKA and can be deemed as NOT a sign of this condition. Understanding these key characteristics helps in the accurate diagnosis and management of diabetic ketoacidosis.