A 19-year-old man with a history of type 1 diabetes presents to the emergency department for the evaluation of a blood glucose level of 492 mg/dL. Laboratory examination revealed a serum bicarbonate level of 13 mEq/L, serum sodium level of 122 mEq/L, and ketonuria. Arterial blood gas demonstrated a pH of 6.9. He is admitted to the hospital and given bicarbonate and then started on an insulin drip and intravenous fluid. Seven hours later when his nurse is making rounds, he is confused and complaining of a severe headache. Repeat sodium levels are unchanged, although his glucose level has improved. His vital signs include a temperature of 36.6°C (98.0°F), pulse 50/min, respiratory rate 13/min and irregular, and blood pressure 177/95 mm Hg. What other examination findings would be expected in this patient?
AHypoglycemia
BPupillary constriction
CPapilledema
DPancreatitis
EPeripheral edema
A 16-year-old woman presents to the emergency department for evaluation of acute vomiting and abdominal pain. Onset was roughly 3 hours ago while she was sleeping. She has no known past medical history. Her family history is positive for hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus in her maternal grandmother. On examination, she is found to have fruity breath and poor skin turgor. She appears fatigued and her consciousness is slightly altered. Laboratory results show a blood glucose level of 691 mg/dL, sodium of 125 mg/dL, and elevated serum ketones. Of the following, which is the next best step in patient management?
AAdminister IV fluids and insulin
BInitiate basal-bolus insulin regimen
CInitiate insulin glargine 10 units at bedtime only
DInitiate oral antidiabetic medications
EInitiate insulin aspart at mealtimes only
A 35-year-old patient with a history of diabetes presents to the ED with a myriad of systemic complaints. An arterial blood gas shows serum pH = 7.3, HCO3- = 13 mEq/L, PCO2 = 27 mmHg. Which of the following would you LEAST expect to observe in this patient?
AIncreased anion gap
BIncreased urine output
CIncreased serum potassium
DDecreased respiratory rate
EIncreased serum ketones
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