Which of the following is a sign of hyperglycemia?

Which of the following is a sign of hyperglycemia?

• A. Cold, clammy skin
• B. Sweet, fruity body odor
• C. High level of consciousness
• D. No change in breathing

Answer: (B)

The presence of a sweet, fruity body odor is indicative of hyperglycemia, which is a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. This specific odor is often associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication that occurs when the body starts breaking down fats at an excessive rate due to insufficient insulin. As a result, ketones accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to this distinctive smell. Recognizing this sign is crucial for prompt treatment and management of the patient’s condition. In contrast, cold, clammy skin is typically a sign of hypoglycemia, where blood sugar levels drop too low. A high level of consciousness would generally not be associated with hyperglycemia, as severe cases might lead to confusion or altered mental status. Lastly, the absence of changes in breathing is not a specific sign of hyperglycemia; rather, rapid or deep breathing may be present in cases of ketoacidosis. Thus, identifying the sweet, fruity body odor is an important clinical sign to consider when evaluating a patient for hyperglycemia.

The presence of a sweet, fruity body odor is indicative of hyperglycemia, which is a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. This specific odor is often associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication that occurs when the body starts breaking down fats at an excessive rate due to insufficient insulin. As a result, ketones accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to this distinctive smell. Recognizing this sign is crucial for prompt treatment and management of the patient’s condition.

In contrast, cold, clammy skin is typically a sign of hypoglycemia, where blood sugar levels drop too low. A high level of consciousness would generally not be associated with hyperglycemia, as severe cases might lead to confusion or altered mental status. Lastly, the absence of changes in breathing is not a specific sign of hyperglycemia; rather, rapid or deep breathing may be present in cases of ketoacidosis. Thus, identifying the sweet, fruity body odor is an important clinical sign to consider when evaluating a patient for hyperglycemia.