An unconscious diabetic patient with a blood sugar of 450 mg/dL has an elevated temperature and is experiencing Kussmaul respirations.You suspect that

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kussmaul respirations are characterized by deep, rapid breathing that is often seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs due to hyperglycemia and the resulting metabolic acidosis. In DKA, the body produces excessive amounts of acidic ketone bodies, leading to a decrease in blood pH. This acidic environment causes the body to compensate by increasing respiration, which helps eliminate carbon dioxide (CO₂) and decrease the acidity of blood.
The high blood sugar level also leads to a loss of fluids and electrolytes, including bicarbonate, which exacerbates the acidosis. Therefore, choice A is correct. 
In DKA, the respiratory rate increases, and the patient's arterial blood gas will often show a low PaCO₂ (respiratory alkalosis) as the body tries to compensate for the metabolic acidosis. If the patient is compensating well, the PaCO₂ will be normal or high-normal. Therefore, choice B is also correct. 
Since there is metabolic acidosis, the blood pH will be low (< 7.35). The given option suggests that the blood pH is 7.25, which is consistent with a diagnosis of DKA. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.
Hence, the best answer is D.

An Unconscious Diabetic Patient with a Blood Sugar of 450