Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Prepare for the Platinum Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic (EMTP) 3.3 Test. Engage with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Ace your EMT-P certification!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Diabetic ketoacidosis presents with high blood sugar, dehydration from osmotic diuresis, and metabolic acidosis from ketone production. The body compensates for the acidosis with rapid, deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations), and the ketones give a fruity breath. Polyuria occurs because of the high glucose drawing water into the urine. Hypoglycemia, however, is not a typical sign of DKA since the hallmark is hyperglycemia with ketone buildup. If glucose were low, other causes would be more likely than DKA.

Diabetic ketoacidosis presents with high blood sugar, dehydration from osmotic diuresis, and metabolic acidosis from ketone production. The body compensates for the acidosis with rapid, deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations), and the ketones give a fruity breath. Polyuria occurs because of the high glucose drawing water into the urine. Hypoglycemia, however, is not a typical sign of DKA since the hallmark is hyperglycemia with ketone buildup. If glucose were low, other causes would be more likely than DKA.

More practice questions