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. Shallow breathing.
B. Kussmaul respirations.
C. Wheezing.
D. Decreased breath sounds.

Answer 1

In a child with diabetic ketoacidosis, Kussmaul respirations, which are deep and rapid, are the expected respiratory pattern as the body compensates for acidosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is likely to exhibit a specific breathing pattern during a respiratory assessment. Kussmaul's respirations are the expected finding in this case. Kussmaul respirations are characterized by deep, rapid breathing and occur as the body attempts to compensate for the acidosis by exhaling more carbon dioxide.

Shallow breathing, wheezing, and decreased breath sounds are not typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore, the correct answer to the question regarding respiratory assessment for a child with DKA is B. Kussmaul's respirations.