Question

During DKA, the respiratory system attempts to eliminate the excess carbon dioxide by increased depth and rate - KUSSMAUL respirations, the hyperventilation characteristic of metabolic acidosis.

Answer 1

The respiratory system compensates for metabolic acidosis in DKA through increased breathing rates, known as Kussmaul respirations, aiming to correct the bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio.

Step-by-step explanation:

During diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the respiratory system responds to the presence of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) by increasing the respiratory rate, a process known as respiratory compensation.

This rapid and deep breathing is referred to as Kussmaul respirations, which is a sign of metabolic acidosis.

The goal is to exhale more CO2 to reduce acidity and restore the bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio back to normal levels (20:1).

While the respiratory system efficiently compensates for acidosis by hyperventilation, it is less efficient in compensating for metabolic alkalosis.

In cases of alkalosis, it tries to conserve CO2 by decreasing the respiratory rate, but there's a limit to how much the respiratory rate can be reduced.