A patient with a history of Type 1 diabetes presents to the clinic with symptoms of increased urination, extreme thirst, nausea, and abdominal pain. The patient's breath has a fruity odor, and they appear confused and breathing rapidly. Based on these symptoms, which of the following actions should a medical assistant prioritize while waiting for the healthcare provider to evaluate the patient?
Induce vomiting to relieve the patient of nausea.
Perform a urine test to check for the presence of ketones.
Based on the presented symptoms, the patient is likely experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. One of the hallmark symptoms is the fruity odor on the breath, which is due to the presence of ketones. The patient's rapid breathing is a compensatory response to the acidosis. In this urgent situation, the medical assistant should prioritize measuring blood glucose levels as it provides immediate information on the patient's hyperglycemic status and helps guide further management decisions. Administering insulin without a healthcare provider's evaluation could be risky if not appropriately indicated. Testing for the presence of ketones, although important, is not the immediate priority over determining blood glucose levels, and inducing vomiting is inappropriate and potentially harmful in this scenario.
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