Joe is a 12 year old male patient who is brought to the emergency department for lethargy, nausea, and vomiting. It is noted that his breath has a fruity odor to it and that he is sweating profusely.A glucometer in the emergency department finds his blood glucose to be 523 mg/dL. It is determined that Joe is in Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Phlebotomy Essentials
6th Edition
ISBN:9781451194524
Author:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)
Publisher:Ruth McCall, Cathee M. Tankersley MT(ASCP)
Chapter1: Phlebotomy: Past And Present And The Healthcare Setting
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Case Study: Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Pediatric Patient

**Patient Profile:**
- **Age:** 12 years old
- **Gender:** Male

#### Clinical Presentation:
Joe was brought to the emergency department with symptoms of lethargy, nausea, and vomiting. Additional observations included:
- **Breath Odor:** Fruity.
- **Sweating:** Profuse.

#### Diagnostic Findings:
- **Blood Glucose Level:** 523 mg/dL (As measured by a glucometer in the emergency department).

#### Diagnosis:
The clinical presentation and diagnostic findings led to the determination that Joe is experiencing **Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)**.

### Diagram Explanation:
*No graphs or diagrams were present in the image.*

### Educational Discussion:
**Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)**
- **DKA Definition**: A serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. It results from the body breaking down fat too quickly leading to the accumulation of acids in the bloodstream.
  
- **Symptoms**: Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, a fruity scent to the breath, and confusion.

- **Causes**: Missed insulin doses, infection, or a severe illness can lead to DKA. It is more common in patients with Type 1 diabetes.

- **Diagnosis**: DKA is diagnosed through blood tests indicating high blood sugar levels, ketones in the blood, and acidosis (acid in the blood).

- **Treatment**: Immediate medical treatment is critical and may include intravenous fluids, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium), and insulin therapy to correct high blood sugar levels.

### Conclusion:
Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening but manageable condition with prompt and appropriate care. Awareness of symptoms and early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of severe outcomes.
Transcribed Image Text:### Case Study: Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Pediatric Patient **Patient Profile:** - **Age:** 12 years old - **Gender:** Male #### Clinical Presentation: Joe was brought to the emergency department with symptoms of lethargy, nausea, and vomiting. Additional observations included: - **Breath Odor:** Fruity. - **Sweating:** Profuse. #### Diagnostic Findings: - **Blood Glucose Level:** 523 mg/dL (As measured by a glucometer in the emergency department). #### Diagnosis: The clinical presentation and diagnostic findings led to the determination that Joe is experiencing **Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)**. ### Diagram Explanation: *No graphs or diagrams were present in the image.* ### Educational Discussion: **Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)** - **DKA Definition**: A serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. It results from the body breaking down fat too quickly leading to the accumulation of acids in the bloodstream. - **Symptoms**: Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, a fruity scent to the breath, and confusion. - **Causes**: Missed insulin doses, infection, or a severe illness can lead to DKA. It is more common in patients with Type 1 diabetes. - **Diagnosis**: DKA is diagnosed through blood tests indicating high blood sugar levels, ketones in the blood, and acidosis (acid in the blood). - **Treatment**: Immediate medical treatment is critical and may include intravenous fluids, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium), and insulin therapy to correct high blood sugar levels. ### Conclusion: Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening but manageable condition with prompt and appropriate care. Awareness of symptoms and early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of severe outcomes.
**Question: Joe's C-peptide level would most likely be:**

- ( ) Increased
- ( ) Decreased
- ( ) Within Reference/Normal Limits

This question presents three multiple-choice options regarding the likely levels of Joe's C-peptide. 

C-peptide is a substance made in the pancreas, along with insulin. It is often measured to understand how much insulin is being produced by the body. The options suggest different potential scenarios for Joe's C-peptide levels:

1. **Increased**: This indicates a higher-than-normal production of insulin, possibly pointing to conditions like insulinoma or other endocrine disorders.
2. **Decreased**: This signifies a lower-than-normal production of insulin, which might be seen in conditions such as type 1 diabetes or severe type 2 diabetes where beta-cell function is impaired.
3. **Within Reference/Normal Limits**: This indicates that Joe's C-peptide levels are within the expected range for a healthy individual, meaning that insulin production is normal.

This question can be used in educational content to assess understanding of pancreatic function and conditions affecting insulin production.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question: Joe's C-peptide level would most likely be:** - ( ) Increased - ( ) Decreased - ( ) Within Reference/Normal Limits This question presents three multiple-choice options regarding the likely levels of Joe's C-peptide. C-peptide is a substance made in the pancreas, along with insulin. It is often measured to understand how much insulin is being produced by the body. The options suggest different potential scenarios for Joe's C-peptide levels: 1. **Increased**: This indicates a higher-than-normal production of insulin, possibly pointing to conditions like insulinoma or other endocrine disorders. 2. **Decreased**: This signifies a lower-than-normal production of insulin, which might be seen in conditions such as type 1 diabetes or severe type 2 diabetes where beta-cell function is impaired. 3. **Within Reference/Normal Limits**: This indicates that Joe's C-peptide levels are within the expected range for a healthy individual, meaning that insulin production is normal. This question can be used in educational content to assess understanding of pancreatic function and conditions affecting insulin production.
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