Kussmaul Respirations

Question

Kussmaul respirations A) cause hypoxemia. B) increase PCO2. C) refer to an acidosis-induced increased respiratory activity. D) are caused by a decrease in the plasma [H⁺].

Accepted Answer

Kussmaul respirations refer to a type of breathing pattern where there is an increased respiratory activity during metabolic acidosis. This serves as a compensatory mechanism to eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the amount of acid in the blood. It is not primarily caused by hypoxemia or changes in plasma electrolyte concentrations.