CCNS Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist

Answer - C - The nurse expects that this patient will experience Kussmaul respiration and that there will be a high level of ketones in the blood as a result of incomplete oxidation of fats. Incomplete oxidation of fat results in fatty acids that further break down to ketones. Carbohydrates do not contain fatty acids. Protein metabolism results in nitrogenous waste production, causing elevation of BUN. Glucose is unavailable for metabolism in cases of ketoacidosis as a result of inadequate production of insulin.