Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Slow, shallow breathing.
• B. Abdominal pain.
• C. Nausea or vomiting.
• D. Fruity-smelling breath.

Answer: (A)

Diabetic ketoacidosis causes metabolic acidosis from ketone production, and the body compensates by increasing ventilation to blow off CO2. This results in a rapid, deep breathing pattern known as Kussmaul respiration. Slow, shallow breathing does not fit this compensatory response and would suggest respiratory depression instead of metabolic acidosis, so it’s not a typical feature of DKA. By contrast, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, and fruity breath from acetone are common signs seen with DKA, reflecting GI symptoms and the ketone buildup.