The nurse reviews a patient's lab results, noting a blood glucose level of 495 mg/dl. The patient is most likely experiencing which acid-base imbalance?

Explanation

• The patient is at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, a form of metabolic acidosis.

• Blood glucose is elevated because of insufficient insulin secretion. Because the glucose cannot enter the cells, energy is produced by breaking down glycogen and fat. Fat metabolism results in the formation of ketones, an acidotic substance.

• An elevated blood sugar would not be associated with a respiratory acidosis or alkalosis. Imbalances of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and oxygen would be discussed.

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