Sat27November0556PM 2

In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), are the following statements true or false?

True / False

Leucocytosis is common and does not confirm infection Correct

Plasma glucose may be low Correct

Urinary stick testing for ketones may be negative Incorrect answer selected

A normal plasma potassium level excludes significant potassium deficiency Incorrect answer selected

Amylase levels may be raised in the absence of pancreatitis Correct

Explanation

DKA is typically associated with:

Increased plasma glucose

Leucocytosis

Reduced pH

Bicarbonate

Carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), and

Oxygen partial pressure (pO2).

However, it is well recognised that DKA may still be associated with normal or not particularly high glucose (for example, 15 mmol/L).

Usually ketones are found in the urine but occassionally are absent for reasons such as impaired clearance during DKA.

Due to excess renal losses, total body potassium is typically low even if plasma potassium is high.

Answer Statistics

Not enough data to display the statistics

Average score: 81.43%

Times answered: 266