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Diabetic ketoacidosis red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsDiabetic ketoacidosis red flagsGPhC CRA

A patient with type 1 diabetes has vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, glucose 17 mmol/L and positive ketones. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: C — Arrange immediate emergency medical assessment

Vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperglycaemia and ketones suggest diabetic ketoacidosis requiring emergency treatment. This makes arrange immediate emergency medical assessment the single best answer in this scenario. The other options would either miss the key safety issue, delay appropriate review, or fail to meet the relevant clinical or professional requirement.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF