Which finding is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Fruity breath
• B. Shortness of breath with wheezing
• C. Jaundice
• D. Elevated blood pressure

Answer: (A)

Fruity breath is a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis because the body, driven by insulin deficiency, ramps up fat breakdown to use for energy. This process produces ketone bodies, including acetone, which is a volatile compound that is exhaled and gives the breath a distinctive fruity smell. This sign often appears alongside dehydration and rapid, deep breathing as the body tries to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

Other findings listed don’t fit DKA as well: shortness of breath with wheezing points more toward an airway problem like asthma; jaundice suggests liver or biliary issues; elevated blood pressure isn’t typical for DKA, which more commonly presents with dehydration and sometimes low blood pressure due to volume depletion.