Analyze the table below to determine the expected breathing patterns in a patient with specific blood gas results: Condition pH PaCO2 (torr) PaO2 (torr) HCO3- (mEq/L) Expected Breathing Pattern Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) 7.20 30 85 16 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 7.35 55 60 27 Metabolic Alkalosis 7.50 45 90 32 What is the expected breathing pattern for the DKA patient?
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ASlow, deep breaths with prolonged inspiratory phase
BRapid, deep breaths with prolonged inspiratory phase
CPeriods of rapid, deep breaths mixed with periods of apnea
DRapid, deep breaths with prolonged expiratory phase
✓ Correct answer: D. Rapid, deep breaths with prolonged expiratory phaseIn Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), the patient typically exhibits the Kussmaul breathing pattern, characterized by rapid, deep breaths with a prolonged expiratory phase. This helps eliminate excess $$CO_{2}$$ and counteracts metabolic acidosis, as evidenced by the blood gas results with low pH and low HCO3- levels.
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Theory