1st April 2022

A 19-year-old female presents with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain

A 19-year-old female presents with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. She reports weight loss of 8kg over the past 3 months and excessive thirst and urination. Urinalysis reveals ketones +++ and plasma glucose is 32.6mmol/l. A diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis is confirmed by venous blood gases. She is prescribed 0.9% saline and intravenous insulin. She later develops a cardiac arrhythmia. 

What is the most likely cause of the arrhythmia?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.