Which of the following is a common sign of diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Deep, Rapid Breaths
• B. Fruity Odor On Breath
• C. Polyphagia
• D. Pale, Cool Skin

Answer: (B)

Fruity odor on the breath is a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis because it reflects the presence of acetone, a ketone produced when the body burns fat for fuel due to insulin deficiency. In DKA, lack of insulin triggers lipolysis and ketogenesis, leading to ketones circulating in the blood and exhaled in the breath, which gives that distinctive smell.

Deep, rapid breaths can occur as the body tries to compensate for metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul breathing), but this sign is less specific than the fruity odor. Polyphagia and pale, cool skin are not typical hallmarks of DKA in the way the breath smell is.