Wednesday, October 28, 2009

In diabetes mellitus, acidosis can cause depth and rate of breathing, which is called _

In diabetes mellitus, acidosis can cause ____ depth and rate of breathing, which is called _____?
a) increased; Kussmaul respiration b) increased; Dalton's respiration c) decreased; hypoventilation d) decreased; orthopnea e) decreased; eupnea
Biology - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :

1 :
a
2 :
c
3 :
Hi There, Technically this question is incomplete because you must say which diabetes (DM1 or DM2) but ok moving on. The answer is A. The cause of Kussmaul breathing is respiratory compensation for a metabolic acidosis namely DKA (Diabetic KetoAcidosis). DKA occurs due to a stress on the body, typically infection. The problem is due to deficient insulin. The lack of insulin causes the body to start using fats. The natural metabolism of these fats causes ketone bodies to be produced which result in lowering blood pH. Blood gases on a patient with Kussmaul breathing will show a low pCO2 because of a forced increased respiration (blowing off the carbon dioxide). The patient feels an urge to breathe deeply known as "air hunger", and it appears almost involuntary. Kussmaul breathing develops as the acidosis grows more severe. Labs: High anion gap Very hyperglycemic (high blood glucose) Low pH Ketones K+ is altered and changes throughout the disease and treatment. The cells will efflux K+ in exchange for H+ (H+ causes pH to fall). Unfortunately as you use insulin potassium is reabsorbed which can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels). There you go, more information then you could have ever cared for :) Best of luck with everything. Daniel R1 Medical Resident

Read more discussions :