A patient with long-standing type 2 diabetes may be developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Which assessment findings would the nurse evaluate as supporting that diagnosis? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.
A)A sweet smell to the breath
B)Ketonuria
C)Blood pH of 7.48
D)WBC of 28,000
E)Potassium of 3.4 mEq/L

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

- A sweet smell to the breath (A) is characteristic of ketoacidosis due to the presence of ketones.- Ketonuria (B) indicates the presence of ketones in the urine, a hallmark of DKA.- A WBC count of 28,000 (D) can indicate infection, which is a common precipitant of DKA.- Potassium of 3.4 mEq/L (E) reflects the electrolyte imbalances that can occur in DKA, despite total body potassium depletion, serum levels may appear normal or low due to shifts out of cells.

A Patient with Long-Standing Type 2 Diabetes May Be Developing