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Template:DKA clinical features
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- May be the initial presenting of an unrecognized T1DM patient
- Presenting signs/symptoms include altered mental status, tachypnea, abdominal pain, hypotension, decreased urine output.
- Perform a thorough neurologic exam (cerebral edema increases mortality significantly, especially in children)
- Assess for possible inciting cause (especially for ongoing infection; see Differential Diagnosis section)
Physical
- Ill appearance.
- Acetone breath.
- Drowsiness with decreased reflexes
- Tachypnea (Kussmaul's breathing)
- Signs of dehydration with dry mouth and dry mucosa.
- Perform a thorough neurologic exam as cerebral edema increases mortality significantly, especially in children
- There may be signs from underlying cause (eg pneumonia)
