A 50-year-old diabetic male did not take his medication and is now in metabolic acidosis. He is experiencing Kussmaul respirations that can be characterized by:
A) audible wheezing or stridor.
B) a slightly increased ventilatory rate, large tidal volumes, and no expiratory pause.
C) rapid respirations with periods of apnea.
D) very slow inhalations and rapid expirations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kussmaul respirations are characterized by a slightly increased ventilatory rate, large tidal volumes, and no expiratory pause. This is the body's compensatory mechanism to reduce the excess acid in the bloodstream by exhaling more carbon dioxide. Audible wheezing or stridor (A) are not typical of Kussmaul respirations. Rapid respirations with periods of apnea (C) would not effectively compensate for metabolic acidosis. Very slow inhalations and rapid expirations (D) do not describe Kussmaul respirations.

A 50-Year-Old Diabetic Male Did Not Take His Medication and Is