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    Ati nurs 113 pharmacology proctored exam

    The patient comes to the emergency room with dry hot skin, fruity breath, and deep respirations and is complaining of abdominal pain. The nurse interprets these signs and symptoms as:

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): DKA occurs when there is a lack of insulin, and the body starts breaking down fat for fuel, producing ketones. This leads to fruity breath, deep respirations (Kussmaul breathing), and dry, hot skin due to dehydration. B. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia presents with shakiness, sweating, and dizziness, but it does not cause fruity breath or deep respirations. These symptoms are more typical of DKA, which involves metabolic acidosis and abnormal respiratory patterns. C. Rebound hyperglycemia: Rebound hyperglycemia, or the Somogyi effect, results from low blood sugar during the night, leading to a counter-regulatory hormone response. It does not cause fruity breath or deep respirations, which are characteristic of DKA. D. An insulin reaction: An insulin reaction usually refers to hypoglycemia, characterized by symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and confusion. It does not explain the abdominal pain, fruity breath, or deep respirations, all indicative of DKA.

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