Medical Emergencies · single question
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
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Correct answer: A. Hypoglycemia
DKA occurs in Type 1 diabetes due to absolute insulin deficiency. Features: HYPERGLYCEMIA (>250 mg/dL), KETOSIS (ketone bodies from lipolysis), metabolic acidosis (pH <7.3), GLUCONEOGENESIS (liver producing glucose). The one finding NOT present is HYPOGLYCEMIA — DKA is characterized by HIGH blood glucose.
- A. Incorrect (gluconeogenesis IS present). Without insulin, the liver activates gluconeogenesis, further elevating glucose.
- B. Incorrect (hyperglycemia IS present). DKA by definition includes hyperglycemia >250 mg/dL.
- C. Incorrect (ketosis IS present). Lipolysis generates ketone bodies — ketosis is a hallmark of DKA.
- D. CORRECT. HYPOGLYCEMIA is NOT a feature of DKA — DKA involves HIGH blood glucose.
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