Understanding Breathing Patterns and Conditions

Which breathing pattern is most commonly associated with diabetic ketoacidosis?

• Cheyne-Stokes breathing

• Kussmaul breathing

• Biot's breathing

• Apneustic breathing

Answer explanation

Kussmaul breathing is a deep, labored breathing pattern commonly seen in diabetic ketoacidosis. It is the body's response to metabolic acidosis, helping to blow off excess carbon dioxide and increase pH.

What is the typical breathing pattern seen in severe atelectasis?

• Slow and deep

• Rapid and shallow

• Irregular and gasping

• Prolonged inspiration

Answer explanation

In severe atelectasis, the lung's ability to expand is compromised, leading to a rapid and shallow breathing pattern as the body attempts to maintain oxygen levels despite reduced lung capacity.

Which of the following is a common sign in a patient with asthma?

• Prolonged exhalation

• Prolonged inspiration

• Apnea

• Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Answer explanation

Prolonged exhalation is a common sign in asthma due to airway obstruction, making it difficult for patients to expel air. This contrasts with prolonged inspiration, apnea, and Cheyne-Stokes respiration, which are not typical for asthma.

What is the therapist primarily assessing when examining the extremities of a patient?

• Lung compliance

• Reduction in cardiac output or poor peripheral perfusion

• Renal function

• Neurological status

Answer explanation

The therapist assesses the extremities to evaluate blood flow and circulation. A reduction in cardiac output or poor peripheral perfusion can lead to cold, pale, or weak extremities, indicating potential cardiovascular issues.

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of tachycardia?

• Exercise

• Hypoxemia

• Hypothermia

• Anxiety

Answer explanation

Hypothermia typically causes bradycardia (slow heart rate) rather than tachycardia. In contrast, exercise, hypoxemia, and anxiety are common causes of tachycardia, making hypothermia the correct choice for this question.

Bradycardia most commonly occurs in which of the following situations?

• Fever

• Hypothermia

• Hypercapnia

• Anemia

Answer explanation

Bradycardia is commonly associated with hypothermia, as low body temperature can slow the heart rate. In contrast, fever, hypercapnia, and anemia typically do not lead to bradycardia.

Which of the following best describes the pathophysiological reason for Kussmaul breathing in diabetic ketoacidosis?

• The body is responding to hypoxemia by slowing the respiratory rate.

• The body is compensating for respiratory acidosis by decreasing tidal volume.

Answer explanation

Kussmaul breathing occurs in diabetic ketoacidosis as the body compensates for metabolic acidosis. By increasing the rate and depth of breathing, it aims to blow off CO₂, helping to correct the acid-base imbalance.

A patient presents with rapid and shallow breathing. Which of the following conditions should be considered as a possible cause, and why?

• Asthma, because it causes airway constriction.

• Severe atelectasis, because it reduces lung volume and impairs gas exchange.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis, because it leads to metabolic alkalosis.

• Hypothermia, because it increases metabolic rate.

Answer explanation

Severe atelectasis reduces lung volume, leading to impaired gas exchange, which can cause rapid and shallow breathing. This makes it a critical condition to consider in this scenario.

A 25-year-old patient with a history of type 1 diabetes presents with deep, labored breathing and fruity-smelling breath. What is the most likely diagnosis, and what is the underlying mechanism for the breathing pattern observed?

• Asthma; bronchoconstriction leads to air trapping.

• Atelectasis; loss of lung volume causes shallow breathing.

• Hypothermia; decreased metabolism leads to bradypnea.

Answer explanation

The patient's symptoms indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where metabolic acidosis leads to Kussmaul breathing. This deep, labored breathing helps to expel CO2 and compensate for the acidosis.

A patient in the emergency department is found to have a heart rate of 130 bpm, is anxious, and has a low blood pressure. Using clinical reasoning, which of the following is the most likely explanation for the tachycardia?

• The patient is experiencing bradycardia due to hypothermia.

• The patient’s tachycardia is a compensatory response to low blood pressure and anxiety.

• The patient’s tachycardia is due to hyperthermia from infection.

• The patient’s tachycardia is unrelated to any physiological stress.

Answer explanation

The patient's tachycardia is likely a compensatory response to low blood pressure and anxiety. When blood pressure drops, the heart rate increases to maintain adequate blood flow, and anxiety can further elevate heart rate.