Which description best characterizes Kussmaul respirations seen in diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, and labored breathing.
• B. Shallow breathing.
• C. Alternating between fast and slow breaths.
• D. Normal breathing.

Answer: (A)

Kussmaul respirations reflect the body's attempt to compensate for metabolic acidosis, which occurs in diabetic ketoacidosis from the accumulation of ketoacids lowering the blood pH. The lungs respond by increasing ventilation so CO2 is blown off, producing a pattern of deep, rapid breaths that are laborious. This deep, fast breathing, with a regular rhythm, is the hallmark — more pronounced than normal breathing and unlike shallow breathing, which uses small breaths, or alternating fast/slow patterns like Cheyne-Stokes. In short, the description captures the air-hungry, heavy breathing the body uses to counteract the acidosis seen in DKA.