A nurse is collecting data from a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings indicates that the client might be experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis?

A. Negative urine ketones: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by increased production of ketone bodies due to insulin deficiency and enhanced lipolysis. Ketones accumulate in the blood and spill into the urine, producing positive urine ketone results. The absence of urine ketones does not support the presence of ketoacidosis, as ketosis is a defining metabolic feature. B. Kussmaul respirations: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns that occur as a compensatory response to metabolic acidosis. In DKA, excess ketone production leads to accumulation of hydrogen ions and decreased serum bicarbonate. The respiratory system compensates by increasing ventilation to eliminate carbon dioxide. C. Hypoglycemia: DKA is associated with hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin, which prevents glucose from entering cells and leads to elevated serum glucose levels. Hypoglycemia involves low blood glucose and does not trigger the ketone overproduction seen in DKA. The pathophysiology of DKA centers on insulin deficiency and high circulating glucose. D. Hypertension: Clients with DKA often experience osmotic diuresis from severe hyperglycemia, leading to dehydration and volume depletion. This intravascular fluid loss more commonly results in hypotension rather than elevated blood pressure. The hemodynamic changes in DKA are primarily related to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.