Question

The nurse reads in the medical record that a client has Kussmaul respirations. Which assessment finding is consistent with this condition?

a) Slow and irregular breathing.
b) Shallow and rapid breathing.
c) Deep and labored breathing.
d) Periods of no breathing.

Answer 1

Kussmaul respirations are characterized by deep and labored breathing as part of the body's compensation for severe metabolic acidosis, such as that seen in diabetic ketoacidosis. The correct assessment finding consistent with this condition is option c), which describes deep and labored breathing patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

Kussmaul respirations are a type of hyperventilation that is characterized by deep and labored breathing. This respiratory pattern is associated with severe metabolic acidosis, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and it is the body's attempt to compensate for the acidosis by blowing off carbon dioxide through deep and rapid breathing.

Considering the options provided:

• a) Slow and irregular breathing - Not consistent with Kussmaul respirations.
• b) Shallow and rapid breathing - Shallow respirations do not describe the deep nature of Kussmaul respirations.
• c) Deep and labored breathing - This is consistent with the definition of Kussmaul respirations and represents an effort to reduce acidosis by increasing the elimination of CO2.
• d) Periods of no breathing - Known as apnea, this is not characteristic of Kussmaul respirations, which involve continuous breathing.

Therefore, the correct assessment finding for a patient with Kussmaul respirations would be deep and labored breathing, which aligns with option c).