A nurse finds a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus lying in bed, sweating, tachycardic, and reporting feeling lightheaded and shaky. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?

A. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) typically presents with hyperglycemia, dehydration, fruity breath odor, Kussmaul respirations, and nausea/vomiting. While lightheadedness may occur, sweating and shakiness are not primary features of DKA. B. The client’s symptoms—sweating, tachycardia, lightheadedness, and shakiness—are classic signs of hypoglycemia. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia can occur due to excess insulin, missed meals, or increased physical activity. Prompt recognition and intervention (e.g., administering fast-acting carbohydrates) are crucial to prevent seizures, loss of consciousness, or death. C. Diabetic nephropathy develops over time as a chronic complication of poorly controlled diabetes and is characterized by proteinuria, edema, and hypertension. It does not cause acute symptoms like sweating, shakiness, or lightheadedness. D. Hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes can cause polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and blurred vision, but it does not typically produce diaphoresis, shakiness, or tachycardia. These are hallmark signs of hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia.