Question

mind. i knew what was wrong with the patient—it was diabetic ketoacidosis. diabetic ketoacidosis (dka) is a life - threatening condition that occurs only in people with diabetes—usually type 1 diabetes, but occasionally in people with type 2 diabetes, as well. it is caused by a lack of insulin in the body and is sometimes the first indication that someone is diabetic. in dka, the body is forced into a catabolic state. insulin is required to break down glucose for energy. when insulin is lacking, the cells of the body cannot access glucose; thus the body begins to burn muscle and fat for energy. when this occurs, fatty acids are produced that are released into the blood, resulting in metabolic acidosis. 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. clinical connections conduct research as needed to learn more about type i diabetes. 1 type i diabetes can be considered a(n) ______ disease. autoimmue adult - onset communicable infectious 2 what organ is damaged in type i diabetes? pancreas heart liver spleen

Explanation:

1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune - system attacks insulin - producing cells. It is not adult - onset (usually starts in childhood or adolescence), not communicable, and not infectious.
2. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is damaged as the immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Answer:

1. autoimmue
2. Pancreas