A patient's chart indicates Kussmaul respirations. The student asks the healthcare professional what this is caused by. What response by the professional is most accurate?
A)Anxiety leads to Kussmaul respirations and is a cause of respiratory acidosis.
B)A compensatory measure is needed to correct metabolic acidosis.
C)Diabetic ketoacidosis is leading to metabolic acidosis.
D)More oxygen is necessary to compensate for respiratory acidosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) are indicative of respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis. Anxiety would lead to respiratory alkalosis as carbon dioxide is blown off by the lungs. Kussmaul's respirations may be seen in diabetic ketoacidosis, but they do not diagnose it. Kussmaul's respirations are not present in respiratory acidosis.

A Patient's Chart Indicates Kussmaul Respirations