Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What do Kussmaul respirations indicate about the respiratory system?

1. Excessive oxygen intake

2. Excreting ketones from the blood

3. Impaired gas exchange

4. Normal respiratory function

The correct answer is: Excreting ketones from the blood

Kussmaul respirations are characterized by deep, rapid breathing and are typically associated with metabolic acidosis, particularly in the context of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The body attempts to compensate for the acidosis by increasing the rate and depth of breathing in an effort to expel carbon dioxide, which is an acid in the blood. In this context, the correct answer reflects the body's response to excreting excess ketones from the blood in order to regulate and mitigate the acidity. The excessive production of ketones, especially in diabetes, leads to a state called ketoacidosis, prompting the characteristic breathing pattern. This compensatory mechanism is the body's way of attempting to restore normal blood pH levels, emphasizing the connection between Kussmaul respirations and the metabolic processes related to ketone production.