The nurse is caring for a patient with ketoacidosis, who is complaining of increasing lethargy and occasional confusion following several weeks of rigid adherence to a carbohydrate-free diet

Question

The nurse understands which of the following phenomena is most likely occurring?
A)
High-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary intake is associated with respiratory acidosis.
B)
In the absence of carbohydrate energy sources, her body is metabolizing fat and releasing ketoacids.
C)
Metabolism of dietary fats without the buffer action of carbohydrates results in the catabolism of ketoacids.
D)
Decreased carbohydrate intake induces insulin deficiency and consequent ketoacidosis.

Answer 1

Ans:
B

Feedback:

Low-carbohydrate diets can induce the fat metabolism and consequent metabolic acidosis that is more commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. The acidotic state is not classified as respiratory in nature and does not involve a buffer role for carbohydrates or insulin deficiency.