Which feature supports ketoacidosis in a patient with type 1 diabetes?

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Multiple Choice

Which feature supports ketoacidosis in a patient with type 1 diabetes?

Explanation:
Ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes arises when insulin is severely deficient, triggering increased lipolysis and hepatic production of ketone bodies. Those ketone bodies accumulate in the blood and are excreted in the urine, so finding ketones in urine directly reflects ketosis and supports a diagnosis of ketoacidosis. The other options don’t fit as well. Very low blood glucose points away from DK A, which typically presents with hyperglycemia. Hyperkalemia can occur early in DKA but is not diagnostic and doesn’t prove ketosis. Normal breathing would be unlikely in DKA, where metabolic acidosis usually causes compensatory rapid breathing (Kussmaul respiration).

Ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes arises when insulin is severely deficient, triggering increased lipolysis and hepatic production of ketone bodies. Those ketone bodies accumulate in the blood and are excreted in the urine, so finding ketones in urine directly reflects ketosis and supports a diagnosis of ketoacidosis.

The other options don’t fit as well. Very low blood glucose points away from DK A, which typically presents with hyperglycemia. Hyperkalemia can occur early in DKA but is not diagnostic and doesn’t prove ketosis. Normal breathing would be unlikely in DKA, where metabolic acidosis usually causes compensatory rapid breathing (Kussmaul respiration).

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