A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia and dehydration, and is being evaluated for diabetic ketoacidosis. The nurse recognizes that which of the following laboratory findings would support this diagnosis?
1. bicarbonate level of 36 mmol/L
2. potassium of 4.2 mEq/L
3. anion gap of 20 mEq/L
4. sodium of 140 mEq/L
3
Rationale: An anion gap of greater than 17 mEq/L indicates an accumulation of unmeasured anions and would be indicative of acidosis. A bicarbonate level of 36 is elevated, indicating metabolic alkalosis. Potassium level is within normal limits. The sodium level is normal.
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