A college student was admitted to the emergency department after being found unconscious by a roommate.The roommate informs emergency medical personnel that the student has diabetes and has been experiencing flulike symptoms,including vomiting,since yesterday.The patient had been up all night studying for exams.The patient used the last diabetes testing supplies 3 days ago and has not had time to go to the pharmacy to refill prescription supplies.Based upon the history,which laboratory findings would be anticipated in this client? A) Blood glucose: 43 mg/dL B) Blood glucose: 524 mg/dL C) HCO₃-: 10 mEq/L D) PaCO₂: 37 mm Hg E) pH: 7.23

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The patient is presenting with laboratory evidence of diabetic ketoacidosis.Diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by hyperglycemia and low bicarbonate levels,low CO₂,and low pH.A blood glucose of 43 mg/dL is indicative of hypoglycemia.The reported carbon dioxide level is normal and is not consistent with acute DKA,for which compensatory tachypnea would be expected along with a low PaCO₂.

A College Student Was Admitted to the Emergency Department After