Which combination of findings is most consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and Kussmaul respirations
• B. Polyphagia, bradycardia, and edema
• C. Nausea only
• D. Hematemesis and hypotension

Answer: (A)

Diabetic ketoacidosis presents with signs driven by severe hyperglycemia and metabolic acidosis. The high glucose causes osmotic diuresis, leading to excessive urination and thirst, plus weight loss from fluid loss and catabolic processes. The metabolic acidosis then triggers a compensatory increase in breathing, known as Kussmaul respirations. That combination of polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and Kussmaul respirations is the clearest pattern for DKA, making it the best fit.

The other choices don’t align with this picture: one option pairs hunger with bradycardia and edema, which isn’t typical for DKA (tachycardia and dehydration are more common). Nausea by itself is nonspecific, and hematemesis with hypotension isn’t characteristic of DKA and would suggest a different issue or a more complex picture.