What acid-base imbalance is a client with diabetes mellitus and sweet-smelling breath likely experiencing?

A client with diabetes mellitus who presents with sweet-smelling breath is likely experiencing metabolic acidosis. The sweet-smelling breath is often associated with the presence of ketones, which can occur in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication in individuals with diabetes.

In DKA, due to insufficient insulin, the body begins to break down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketone bodies. As these ketones accumulate in the bloodstream, they increase the acidity of the blood, resulting in metabolic acidosis. This condition is characterized by a decreased pH and decreased bicarbonate levels in the bloodstream.

Understanding the association between diabetes and metabolic acidosis is crucial for recognizing the signs and symptoms of DKA and managing it effectively. The other options relate to different acid-base disturbances that are not typically associated with the sweet-smelling breath seen in patients with uncontrolled diabetes.