You are called to assess a patient with respiratory distress. Your patient is a 27-year-old female at a local community college classroom with altered mental status and deep, rapid respirations. Witnesses state that she seemed confused when class started, and then she became unresponsive and collapsed on the floor. A rapid medical assessment shows the presence of a strong radial pulse and deep, rapid respirations at a rate of 28 breaths/min. Also, an insulin pump is attached to the patient's abdomen with an error message on the display screen. On the initial assessment, you find no trauma or abnormalities. Based on your initial assessment findings, what is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?
A) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
B) Insulin shock
C) Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNK)
D) Hypoglycemia
Answer: A) Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Health Professions
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For a patient who is bleeding, which of the following is the immediate response of the human body?
A) Vasoconstriction caused by the parasympathetic nervous system B) Increased production of red blood cells and hemoglobin C) Vasoconstriction caused by the sympathetic nervous system D) Increased pulse pressure to promote better circulation of oxygen
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