A patient has been admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of DKA. What vital signs should a nurse anticipate that the patient will exhibit?

A. Temperature, 97.4° F; pulse, 110 beats/min; respirations, 26 breaths/min and deep: Diabetic ketoacidosis commonly presents with dehydration and compensatory tachycardia and Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing), which this set reflects. B. Temperature, 99° F; pulse, 62 beats/min; respirations, 16 breaths/min and shallow: Bradycardia and shallow respirations are not typical for DKA. C. Temperature, 98.6° F; pulse, 76 beats/min; respirations, 16 breaths/min and deep: Normal pulse and respirations are unlikely in moderate-to-severe DKA, which usually produces tachycardia and deep respirations. D. Temperature, 98° F; pulse, 84 beats/min; respirations, 18 breaths/min and shallow: Mildly elevated pulse and shallow respirations do not match the expected hyperventilation and tachycardia seen in DKA.