A patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus develops metabolic acidosis. Which assessment finding indicates that the patient's compensatory mechanisms are working?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deep rapid breathing, also known as Kussmaul breathing, is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis. It helps to decrease CO2 levels in the blood, thereby reducing the acidity.

A Patient with Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Develops Metabolic Acidosis