AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following are signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

1. Increased appetite and weight gain.

2. Warm dry skin and polyuria.

3. Fever and high blood pressure.

4. Fatigue and muscle cramping.

The correct answer is: Warm dry skin and polyuria.

The signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) typically include warm dry skin and polyuria, which reflects the body's attempt to eliminate excess glucose through urination. In DKA, the lack of insulin leads to an increase in blood glucose levels, prompting the kidneys to excrete the excess glucose along with a significant amount of water, causing polyuria. This consequential dehydration can also lead to changes in skin condition, such as it becoming warm and dry due to fluid loss. In contrast, increased appetite and weight gain are generally opposite to what one would expect in DKA, as the body is not able to utilize glucose for energy effectively, leading to feelings of hunger despite high blood sugar levels. Fever and high blood pressure may not specifically align with DKA symptoms, as fever can indicate an infection rather than a direct result of DKA. Lastly, while fatigue can be a symptom of DKA, muscle cramping is not characteristically associated with DKA and could indicate other conditions or electrolyte imbalances.