Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Simulated
The nurse observed that a client with diabetic ketoacidosis is experiencing abnormally deep regular and rapid respirations. How would the nurse document this observation in the medical record?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Kussmaul's respirations. In diabetic ketoacidosis, the body tries to compensate for acidosis by increasing respiratory rate and depth. Kussmaul's respirations are characterized by deep, rapid, and labored breathing. Bradypnea (choice A) is slow breathing, not consistent with the client's presentation. Cheyne-Stokes respirations (choice C) are characterized by periods of apnea followed by gradually increasing and decreasing respirations, not consistent with the rapid and deep respirations seen in this case. Biot's respirations (choice D) are characterized by irregular breathing patterns with periods of apnea, also not fitting the description given.