Question

What type of breathing is DKA associated with? What happens to breath? What electrolyte changes occur?

a) Kussmaul breathing; Sweet, fruity odor; Hyperkalemia
b) Cheyne-Stokes breathing; Ammonia odor; Hypokalemia
c) Biot's breathing; Acetone odor; Hypocalcemia
d) Bradypnea; Metallic odor; Hyponatremia

Answer 1

DKA is associated with Kussmaul breathing and a sweet, fruity breath odor due to acetone. It also typically leads to hyperkalemia initially.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of breathing associated with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is Kussmaul breathing, which is deep and rapid as the body tries to correct the high acidity in the blood by expelling more carbon dioxide.

Patients with ketoacidosis often have a sweet, fruity breath odor, an indication that acetone, a type of ketone, is being released through their breath. Regarding electrolyte changes, DKA typically leads to hyperkalemia initially because the acidotic state causes potassium to shift out of cells into the blood. However, as treatment progresses and acidosis is corrected, potassium can then shift back into the cells and the patient might actually become hypokalemic if not properly managed.