Question

An 8-year old child is brought to the emergency department with a 2-day history of lethargic polyuria. The child has new-onset rapid, deep, and labored breathing. Which diagnostic treatment do you order first?

 A 12-lead ECG

 B. Arterial blood gases

 C. Blood glucose

 D. Serum potassium

Answer 1

In the present scenario an 8 year child brought to the emergency department with a 2 day history of lethargy/ALOC or altered levelof consciousness and polyuria.The child has show a new onset of rapid,deep and labored breathing .

Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most serious metabolic disturbance of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is the most common complication and main cause of mortality and morbidity in children with type 1 diabetes.

The child who has suffering type 1 diabetes mellitus will show the symptoms of lethargy and polyuria

As a complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus the child will show the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis such as Kussmaul breathing pattern such as rapid respiratory rate,deep and labored breathing.

If the child shows a new onset of kussmaul brathing pattern with the history of lethargy and polyuria the initial impression is the child is suffering with DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis

To confirm the problem and to start the diagnostic treatment first we have first order the Blood glucose