A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia and dehydration,and is being evaluated for diabetic ketoacidosis.The nurse recognizes that which laboratory finding would support this diagnosis?
A)Potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
B)Anion gap of 20 mEq/L
C)Sodium of 140 mEq/L
D)Bicarbonate level of 36 mmol/L

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An elevated anion gap indicates an increase in the concentration of unmeasured acid in the blood, which is a common finding in diabetic ketoacidosis. The other laboratory values are within normal range or do not provide specific indication of diabetic ketoacidosis.

A Patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Is Admitted with Hyperglycemia