Which symptom is commonly associated with DKA?

Which symptom is commonly associated with DKA?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Polyuria
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (C)

In DKA, severe insulin deficiency leads to high blood glucose. When glucose spills into the urine, it pulls water with it (osmotic diuresis), so the person produces a lot of urine. That increased urination is polyuria, a hallmark symptom of DKA due to the kidneys trying to excrete the excess glucose. This also explains the dehydration and thirst often seen. The other options don’t fit as well: bradycardia isn’t typical and dehydration usually causes a faster heart rate; hypothermia isn’t a characteristic sign; and weight gain wouldn’t occur because the body is in a catabolic state with weight loss from fluid loss and fat breakdown.

In DKA, severe insulin deficiency leads to high blood glucose. When glucose spills into the urine, it pulls water with it (osmotic diuresis), so the person produces a lot of urine. That increased urination is polyuria, a hallmark symptom of DKA due to the kidneys trying to excrete the excess glucose. This also explains the dehydration and thirst often seen. The other options don’t fit as well: bradycardia isn’t typical and dehydration usually causes a faster heart rate; hypothermia isn’t a characteristic sign; and weight gain wouldn’t occur because the body is in a catabolic state with weight loss from fluid loss and fat breakdown.