A pediatric client is admitted to the hospital unconscious. The client has a history of type 1 diabetes, and according to the client's mother, has been to two birthday parties in the last few days and has resisted taking the prescribed insulin. At school the client had two more pieces of birthday cake and some ice cream at a class birthday party. What is the likely reason for this client's unconscious state?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The likely reason for the client's unconscious state is metabolic ketoacidosis. This condition occurs in type 1 diabetes when the body starts breaking down fats for energy due to a lack of insulin, leading to the accumulation of ketones in the blood, which can cause the blood to become acidic. The client's resistance to taking prescribed insulin, combined with high sugar intake from birthday cakes and ice cream, would significantly increase the risk of developing this condition.

A Pediatric Client Is Admitted to the Hospital Unconscious