Which combination of symptoms is commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis and can affect self-care?

• A. Fruity breath, dehydration, abdominal pain, and rapid breathing
• B. Vision impairment only
• C. Hypertension and tachycardia only
• D. Cough and sneezing only

Answer: (B)

Diabetic ketoacidosis shows up with high blood glucose and ketone buildup leading to dehydration and metabolic stress. The classic set of signs includes fruity breath, dehydration, abdominal pain, and rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations). This combination clearly reflects the acute metabolic disturbance of DKA and also explains why self-care is affected—fatigue, dehydration, and discomfort make it hard to monitor glucose, take medications, stay hydrated, eat properly, and perform daily routines.

Vision changes by themselves aren’t a typical or defining feature of DKA, and hypertension with tachycardia or a cough with sneezing don’t capture the characteristic picture of DKA. So the option that lists fruity breath, dehydration, abdominal pain, and rapid breathing aligns with the condition and its impact on daily self-management.