Which respiratory pattern is commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis?

• A. Cheyne-Stokes respiration
• B. Apneustic breathing
• C. Eupnea
• D. Kussmaul respirations

Answer: (D)

Metabolic acidosis from diabetic ketoacidosis sends the body into a compensatory hyperventilatory state. The lungs try to blow off more CO2 to raise pH, and this produces Kussmaul respirations—deep, rapid, and labored breaths with a regular rhythm. It’s the classic breathing pattern seen with metabolic acidosis and is a key sign in DKA.

In contrast, Cheyne-Stokes respiration features cycles of waxing and waning breathing with pauses, often tied to heart failure or brain injury; apneustic breathing has a prolonged inspiratory pause pointing to brainstem issues; eupnea is normal, not the compensatory pattern expected in DKA.