Disposition decision making — MCQs

A 27-year-old man with a past medical history of type I diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with altered mental status. The patient was noted as becoming more lethargic and confused over the past day, prompting his roommates to bring him in. His temperature is 99.0°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 107/68 mmHg, pulse is 120/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. Laboratory values are ordered as seen below. Serum: Na+: 144 mEq/L Cl-: 100 mEq/L K+: 6.3 mEq/L HCO3-: 16 mEq/L BUN: 20 mg/dL Glucose: 599 mg/dL Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL Ca2+: 10.2 mg/dL Which of the following is the appropriate endpoint of treatment for this patient?

A 27-year-old diabetic male rushes to the emergency department after finding his blood glucose level to be 492 mg/dL which is reconfirmed in the ED. He currently does not have any complaints except for a mild colicky abdominal pain. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), respirations are 15/min, pulse is 67/min, and blood pressure is 122/88 mm Hg. Blood is drawn for labs the result of which is given below: Serum: pH 7.0 pCO2 32 mm Hg HCO3- 15.2 mEq/L Sodium 122 mEq/L Potassium 4.8 mEq/L Urinalysis is positive for ketone bodies. He is admitted to the hospital and given intravenous bicarbonate and then started on an insulin drip and normal saline. 7 hours later, he is found to be confused and complaining of a severe headache. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 50/min, respirations are 13/min and irregular, and blood pressure is 137/95 mm Hg. What other examination findings would be expected in this patient?

A 27-year-old man presents to the emergency department with his family because of abdominal pain, excessive urination, and drowsiness since the day before. He has had type 1 diabetes mellitus for 2 years. He ran out of insulin 2 days ago. The vital signs at admission include: temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), blood pressure 102/69 mm Hg, and pulse 121/min. On physical examination, he is lethargic and his breathing is rapid and deep. There is a mild generalized abdominal tenderness without rebound tenderness or guarding. His serum glucose is 480 mg/dL. Arterial blood gas of this patient will most likely show which of the following?

An 8-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department with severe dyspnea, fatigue, and vomiting. His mother reports that he has been lethargic for the last several days with an increase in urine output. She thinks he may even be losing weight, despite eating and drinking more than normal for the last couple weeks. Laboratory results are notable for glucose of 440, potassium of 5.8, pH of 7.14 and HCO3 of 17. After administrating IV fluids and insulin, which of the following would you expect?

A previously healthy 14-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department by her mother because of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for 6 hours. Over the past 6 weeks, she has also had increased frequency of urination, and she has been drinking more water than usual. She has lost 6 kg (13 lb) over the same time period despite having a good appetite. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), pulse is 125/min, respirations are 32/min, and blood pressure is 94/58 mm Hg. She appears lethargic. Physical examination shows deep and labored breathing and dry mucous membranes. The abdomen is soft, and there is diffuse tenderness to palpation with no guarding or rebound. Urine dipstick is positive for ketones and glucose. Further evaluation is most likely to show which of the following findings?

A 14-year-old boy is admitted to the emergency department with acute onset of confusion, malaise, diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, and a single episode of vomiting. He denies ingestion of any suspicious foods, fevers, respiratory symptoms, or any other symptoms preceding his current condition. However, he notes an increase in his liquid consumption and urinary frequency over the last 6 months. On physical examination, he is responsive but somnolent. His blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, heart rate is 101/min, respiratory rate is 21/min, temperature is 36.0°C (96.8°F), and SpO2 is 96% on room air. He has facial pallor and dry skin and mucous membranes. His lungs are clear to auscultation, and heart sounds are normal. His abdomen is soft with no rebound tenderness on palpation. Neurological examination is significant for 1+ deep tendon reflexes in all extremities. A dipstick test shows 3+ for ketones and glucose. The patient’s blood tests show the following findings: RBCs 4.1 million/mm3 Hb 13.7 mg/dL Hematocrit 56% Leukocyte count 7,800/mm3 Platelet count 321,000/mm3 Glucose 565 mg/dL Potassium 5.8 mEq/L Sodium 136 mEq/L ALT 15 U/L AST 17 U/L Amylase 88 U/L Bicarbonate 19 mEq/L BE −3 mEq/L pH 7.3 pCO2 37 mm Hg pO2 66 mm Hg Which of the medications listed below should be administered to the patient intravenously?

A 48-year-old man presents with DKA. Initial treatment is initiated with fluids and insulin infusion. Labs show glucose 460 mg/dL, pH 7.18, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, potassium 4.5 mEq/L, and creatinine 2.8 mg/dL (baseline 1.0). After 4 hours, glucose decreases to 380 mg/dL but pH worsens to 7.12, bicarbonate drops to 8 mEq/L, and lactate is 5.2 mmol/L (initially 1.8). Blood pressure is 85/50 mmHg. Evaluate the clinical situation and necessary intervention.

A 25-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes presents with DKA. She admits to intentionally withholding insulin to lose weight. This is her fifth DKA admission in 8 months. Current pH is 7.14, glucose 520 mg/dL, bicarbonate 11 mEq/L. Medical costs exceed $150,000 for recurrent admissions. The team is frustrated. Evaluate the comprehensive management approach beyond acute DKA treatment.

A 55-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis presents with DKA. Initial glucose is 580 mg/dL, pH 7.12, bicarbonate 10 mEq/L, and potassium 6.2 mEq/L. He is fluid overloaded with bilateral crackles and peripheral edema. His last dialysis was 3 days ago. Evaluate the optimal management strategy addressing both DKA and renal failure.

A 38-year-old pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation with type 1 diabetes presents with nausea and vomiting. Labs show glucose 310 mg/dL, pH 7.27, bicarbonate 15 mEq/L, and positive urine ketones. Fetal monitoring shows reactive non-stress test. She has been taking her insulin but unable to eat for 24 hours due to hyperemesis. Analyze the optimal management approach considering maternal and fetal risks.