Question

this young patient presented with all of the typical signs of dka: altered breathing (fast and deep breathing is the body’s attempt to \blow off\ carbon dioxide), altered level of consciousness (which may range from drowsiness to coma), fruity odor to the breath (ketone breath), vomiting and abdominal pain, weakness and excessive thirst accompanied by frequent urination. the patient was admitted to the pediatric icu and was treated with iv fluids and insulin. she required frequent blood work to monitor her electrolytes because ketones released in the urine have a tendency to pull potassium and other electrolytes with them, causing severe electrolyte imbalance. once she was stabilized, she and her family were provided with intensive guidance for handling her condition before being discharged home. concept check 1. the breakdown of glucose is an example of _____ anabolism amphibolism catabolism 2. the patient was deficient in _____ insulin metabolic enzymes glucose fatty acids 3. why did the child’s breath have a fruity odor? she was vomiting up the excess glucose she was burning fats instead of glucose for fuel the high glucose in her blood smells sweet in the mouth she was burning proteins instead of glucose for fuel

Explanation:

1. Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones to release energy. Glucose breakdown is a catabolic process. Anabolism builds complex molecules, and amphibolism is a mis - term here.
2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) occurs when the body is low on insulin, which leads to improper glucose metabolism and ketone production. So the patient is insulin - deficient.
3. In DKA, due to insulin deficiency, the body starts burning fats instead of glucose for energy. This produces ketones, and acetone (a ketone) gives the breath a fruity odor.

Answer:

1. C. catabolism
2. A. insulin
3. B. She was burning fats instead of glucose for fuel