Question

A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and was admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. When performing the respiratory assessment, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A) Kussmaul respirations
B) Shallow breathing
C) Bradypnea
D) Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Answer 1

For a child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis, a nurse should expect to observe Kussmaul respirations, which are deep, rapid breaths aimed at compensating for the acidosis caused by ketones.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a child with diabetic ketoacidosis, a nurse should expect to see Kussmaul respirations during a respiratory assessment. Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that are a compensatory mechanism to reduce the acidity of the blood due to the presence of ketones, such as acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. When the body cannot utilize glucose properly, it breaks down fatty acids into ketone bodies, leading to acidosis, which prompts the respiratory system to expel excess carbon dioxide in an attempt to balance the pH of the blood. Other symptoms that may appear in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis include fruity-smelling breath from acetone exhalation, dry skin, flushed face, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Treatment involves correcting the underlying high blood sugars and providing proper hydration to the patient.