A patient is breathing rapidly and slurring her speech. Shortly after, she becomes comatose. Tests show her blood glucose and ketone levels are high. She has been urinating eery few minutes prior to her becoming lethargic. What is the patients problem? Would you expect her blood pH to be acidic or alkaline? What is the significance of her rapid breathing? Are her kidneys reabsorbing or secreting bicarbonate ions during this situation?

Im thinking diabetes. Ketoacidosis

I would expect an acidic blood condition, as the stress alone would acidify the blood, let alone the other conditions.

Based on the symptoms and test results described, it is likely that the patient is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious complication of diabetes. DKA occurs when there is a lack of insulin in the body, causing glucose levels to rise and the body to break down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketones.

In DKA, the high levels of glucose and ketones in the blood result in an acidic environment, leading to a decrease in blood pH. Therefore, you would expect the patient's blood pH to be acidic.

The rapid breathing observed in the patient, known as Kussmaul breathing, is a compensatory mechanism by the body to counteract the acidity in the blood. By breathing rapidly, the body tries to eliminate excess carbon dioxide, which helps to reduce the acidic pH. It is an attempt to restore the acid-base balance.

During this situation, the kidneys are secreting bicarbonate ions. In an attempt to maintain acid-base balance, the kidneys excrete excess hydrogen ions (acid) and retain bicarbonate ions (base) in the urine. This helps to eliminate acid from the body and prevent a further decrease in blood pH. Therefore, the kidneys are reabsorbing bicarbonate ions.

It is important to note that while the explanations given here are commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, it is always crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.