In the assessment of a patient with potential DKA, which of the following is an important sign to monitor?

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In the assessment of a patient with potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), monitoring high blood glucose is crucial because it is one of the hallmark signs of DKA. DKA typically occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes but can also occur in type 2 diabetes under certain stress-related conditions. Elevated blood glucose levels indicate that the body is unable to effectively use glucose for energy, leading to the reliance on fat breakdown, which in turn produces ketones. The presence of high blood glucose levels confirms the metabolic derangement associated with DKA and helps guide treatment strategies.

While low blood pressure and elevated heart rate can indicate the patient is in shock or experiencing dehydration, which are concerns in DKA, they are not as definitive as the presence of high blood glucose. Changes in pupils can be significant for other medical conditions but are not directly indicative of DKA. Focusing on blood glucose levels provides immediate insight into the patient's metabolic state and the necessary interventions.

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