What would you expect to find in the laboratory results of a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis?

In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), you would expect to find elevated blood glucose levels due to the body's inability to utilize glucose effectively in the absence of adequate insulin. This hyperglycemia occurs alongside a significant metabolic acidosis, which is characterized by a low arterial blood pH and a low bicarbonate level. The acidosis arises from the production of ketone bodies as fat is metabolized for energy in the absence of carbohydrates, further contributing to the acidic environment.

This combination of elevated blood glucose and metabolic acidosis is central to the pathophysiology of DKA. As the condition progresses, patients may also exhibit electrolyte imbalances, particularly with potassium levels that can vary widely. However, the hallmark laboratory findings remain elevated blood glucose and metabolic acidosis, making this choice the most accurate and representative of what would be observed in a patient with DKA.