Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

In which conditions do we see Kussmaul respirations?

1. Asthma attacks

2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

3. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

4. Pneumonia

The correct answer is: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Kussmaul respirations are characterized by deep, labored breathing that occurs in response to metabolic acidosis, particularly in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This physiological response is the body's attempt to compensate for the acidosis by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, facilitating the exhalation of carbon dioxide, which helps to raise the blood pH back toward normal. In the context of diabetic ketoacidosis, the accumulation of ketones in the blood due to insulin deficiency leads to a decrease in blood pH, triggering the respiratory system to work harder to eliminate excess carbon dioxide and mitigate the acidosis. This respiratory pattern is distinct from other forms of respiratory distress, such as those seen in conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or pneumonia, where the breathing patterns typically differ and do not present with the same characteristics as Kussmaul respirations.