The nurse is caring for a diabetic patient with a blood sugar of 879 mg/dL,and notes the patient has fruity breath,and Kussmaul respirations.Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common cause of metabolic acidosis that occurs in patients with dangerously high blood sugars.Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism of the body during metabolic acidosis to raise the serum pH by blowing off additional carbon dioxide.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Diabetic Patient with a Blood