QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This patient may develop sepsis if her infection is untreated but, in the context of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, thrombosis is the most common cause of mortality.
10000818
c
Sepsis
QuestionChoice
This patient's history is suggestive of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS). HHS presents with a slow onset of increasing thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria). Patients with HHS are at high risk of thromboembolic events, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. It is important to anticoagulate them to prevent this.
10000816
a
Thrombosis
QuestionChoice
The history of underlying Type 2 diabetes, polyuria and polydypsia is suggestive of hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS). This patient could likely develop an acute kidney injury (AKI) in her current presentation because of her urinary tract infection. Patients with HHS are often profoundly dehydrated, also contributing to AKI. However, the most common cause of mortality in patients with HHS is thrombosis.
10000817
b
Acute kidney injury
QuestionChoice
Patients with HHS may go into heart failure. This is because dehydration contributes to renal failure, which may progress to shock, then cardiovascular collapse. However, this is not the leading cause of mortality.
10000819
d
Heart failure
QuestionChoice
Patients with Type 2 diabetes can develop DKAs. However, this is much rarer than HHS and would have a more acute presentation. In HHS, the leading cause of mortality is thrombosis.
10000820
e
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Concept
Chapter
2693
3831
Type 2 Diabetes
Topic
133
Endocrinology
12710
A 52-year-old female comes to the emergency department with a two-month history of passing lots of urine and feeling thirsty, as well as being more confused than normal. Over the past three days, she has had pain while urinating and offensive smelling urine. She has a past medical history of Type 2 Diabetes.

What is the leading cause of mortality in patients who develop the complication most likely seen in this patient?
a