The nurse is caring for a diabetic client who has breath with a fruity odor. Which conclusion by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

1. The client has been consuming frequent intake of candy.
2. The client is hyperglycemic.
3. The client is hypoglycemic.
4. The client is experiencing an allergic reaction to medication for diabetes.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale 1: Frequent intake of candy is incorrect because the fruity odor is a sign of hyperglycemia.
Rationale 2: Because glucose cannot enter cells, lipids are used as an energy source and ketoacids are produced as waste products. These ketoacids can give the patient's breath an acetone-like, fruity odor.
Rationale 3: Hypoglycemic is incorrect because the fruity odor is a sign of hyperglycemia.
Rationale 4: Allergic reaction to medication for diabetes is incorrect because the fruity odor is a sign of hyperglycemia.

Global Rationale: Because glucose cannot enter cells, lipids are used as an energy source and ketoacids are produced as waste products. These ketoacids can give the patient's breath an acetone-like, fruity odor. Frequent intake of candy is incorrect because the fruity odor is a sign of hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia is incorrect because the fruity odor is a sign of hyperglycemia. Allergic reaction to medication for diabetes is incorrect because the fruity odor is a sign of hyperglycemia.