Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the context of hyperglycemia and pancreatic metabolic emergencies, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) serves as a critical symptom. DKA occurs predominantly in individuals with type 1 diabetes, often triggered by insufficient insulin levels, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

This condition results in the body breaking down fat for energy, a process that produces ketones, leading to an acidic state in the blood (hence the term "ketoacidosis"). Symptoms of DKA can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered mental status, all stemming from the high levels of glucose and ketones in the bloodstream. Recognizing DKA as a critical symptom of hyperglycemia is fundamental for prompt treatment and management, as it indicates a severe state that could result in life-threatening complications if not addressed swiftly.

The other choices, while related to diabetes and metabolic processes, do not directly capture the essence of a critical symptom associated with hyperglycemia. Excessive thirst is indeed a common symptom of hyperglycemia but is more of a general sign of elevated blood sugar rather than a specific acute metabolic emergency like DKA. Weight gain does not typically correlate with hyperglycemic episodes, and hypoglycemia, which denotes low blood sugar, is contrary to