Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is a classic triad of symptoms for diabetic ketoacidosis?

1. Headache, dizziness, tremors

2. Thirst, frequent urination, hunger

3. Fruity breath, Dehydration, and three Ps

4. Chest pain, nausea, confusion

The correct answer is: Fruity breath, Dehydration, and three Ps

In the context of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the classic triad of symptoms consists of fruity breath, signs of dehydration, and the three Ps: polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger). Fruity breath is particularly indicative of the presence of ketones, which are produced when the body starts to burn fat instead of glucose due to a lack of insulin. This distinctive odor is often noted when assessing a patient presenting with DKA. Signs of dehydration are common in DKA because the excessive urination leads to significant fluid loss. Patients may present with dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, and signs of hypotension. Moreover, the three Ps reflect the body’s response to high blood glucose levels. Polyuria occurs as the kidneys attempt to eliminate excess glucose through urine, which subsequently leads to dehydration. Increased thirst (polydipsia) is the body's mechanism to combat the resulting fluid deficit, and increased hunger (polyphagia) happens because cells are unable to utilize glucose for energy without sufficient insulin. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for EMTs, as identifying them quickly can facilitate timely intervention and treatment to stabilize a patient