Which of the following is not a sign of DKA?

Choice A reason: Neuropathies occur due to the thickening, sclerosis, obstruction, and ischemia of the small blood vessels that supply the nerves (vasa nervorum). Chronic hyperglycemia leads to damage of these blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the nerves. This ischemia results in nerve degeneration, delayed nerve conduction, and impaired sensory function, which are characteristic of diabetic neuropathy.

Choice B reason: Infection in the nerves is not a primary cause of diabetic neuropathy. While infections can affect the nerves, the neuropathy associated with diabetes is primarily due to vascular complications and chronic hyperglycemia, not infections.

Choice C reason: Excessive glucose exposure to the brain and spinal cord is not directly related to neuropathy. The neuropathic complications in diabetes are due to the damage of peripheral nerves caused by hyperglycemia and vascular insufficiency, rather than glucose affecting the central nervous system.

Choice D reason: Inability to provide continuous glucose to the brain and spinal cord is not a cause of neuropathy. The brain and spinal cord typically have a continuous supply of glucose. Neuropathy in diabetes results from the damage to the peripheral nerves due to prolonged high blood glucose levels and subsequent vascular complications.

Choice A reason: Swelling of the feet, or peripheral edema, can be associated with ascites, but it is not a primary measurement used to diagnose ascites. Peripheral edema can occur due to various conditions, including heart failure, kidney disease, and venous insufficiency. It does not specifically indicate the presence of ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Choice B reason: Urine output is an important measure of renal function and fluid balance but is not directly used to diagnose ascites. Changes in urine output can indicate kidney function and fluid status but do not specifically assess fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Choice C reason: Abdominal girth measurement is a key method used to assess and monitor ascites. Measuring the circumference of the abdomen can help quantify the amount of fluid accumulation. An increase in abdominal girth over time is a strong indicator of ascites and can be used to track the progression or resolution of the condition. This method is simple, non-invasive, and effective in evaluating the severity of ascites.

Choice D reason: Chest circumference is not used to diagnose ascites. While changes in chest circumference can indicate respiratory or thoracic conditions, they do not provide information about fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Ascites is specifically related to the abdomen, and measurements of abdominal girth are more relevant and informative in this context.