In diabetic ketoacidosis, which respiratory pattern would you expect?

In diabetic ketoacidosis, which respiratory pattern would you expect?

• A. Kussmaul respirations
• B. Hypoventilation
• C. Apnea
• D. Normal respirations

Answer: (A)

Diabetic ketoacidosis causes metabolic acidosis from the buildup of ketone bodies, which lowers blood pH and bicarbonate levels. To compensate, the body drives ventilation up to blow off CO2, shifting the buffering equation toward a higher pH. This results in Kussmaul respirations—deep, rapid, and labored breathing with aggressive breathing in and out. This pattern reflects the body's attempt to correct the acidosis; hypoventilation would worsen acidosis, apnea would stop gas exchange, and normal respirations would not provide the needed compensation.

Diabetic ketoacidosis causes metabolic acidosis from the buildup of ketone bodies, which lowers blood pH and bicarbonate levels. To compensate, the body drives ventilation up to blow off CO2, shifting the buffering equation toward a higher pH. This results in Kussmaul respirations—deep, rapid, and labored breathing with aggressive breathing in and out. This pattern reflects the body's attempt to correct the acidosis; hypoventilation would worsen acidosis, apnea would stop gas exchange, and normal respirations would not provide the needed compensation.