A woman with type I diabetes presents with symptoms such as deep, rapid breathing and altered mental status. What is the most likely explanation for her condition?

The symptoms of deep, rapid breathing and altered mental status in this case likely indicate the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that can occur in individuals with type I diabetes. In DKA, the body begins to break down fat as an alternative energy source when insulin levels are insufficient. This process leads to the production of ketones, which can cause metabolic acidosis and result in rapid, deep breathing (known as Kussmaul respirations) as the body attempts to compensate for the acidosis.

If the woman has not taken her insulin in several days, it would lead to inadequate glucose uptake by the cells and provoke this breakdown of fats. This lack of insulin would explain the subsequent increase in ketone production and the resulting symptoms, including altered mental status due to acidosis and potential dehydration.

While the other options could represent different scenarios that might affect a person with diabetes, they do not align as closely with the symptoms presented. For example, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) would typically cause symptoms such as confusion, sweating, and tremors rather than deep, rapid breathing. Not taking insulin but still eating could lead to elevated blood sugar, but without the accompanying acidosis seen in DKA. An infection