Which respiratory pattern is commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Bradypnea
• B. Kussmaul respirations
• C. Eupnea with shallow breaths
• D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Answer: (B)

In diabetic ketoacidosis, the body develops metabolic acidosis from accumulating ketones. To counter this, the respiratory center heightens ventilation to blow off carbon dioxide, helping raise the blood pH. This compensation produces Kussmaul respirations—very deep, rapid, and regular breathing without pauses. Seeing this pattern signals the body's attempt to correct the acidosis, which is a hallmark of DKA.

Bradypnea would slow CO2 removal and worsen acidosis, so it isn’t expected here. Eupnea with shallow breaths wouldn’t adequately reduce CO2. Cheyne-Stokes respirations involve alternating periods of rapid breathing and apnea, often due to brain or heart issues, not the metabolic compensation seen in DKA.