In patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis, what is the expected pattern of breathing?

In patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperventilation occurs as a physiological response to metabolic acidosis. When there is an excess of ketone bodies produced due to the lack of insulin, it leads to an increase in acidity of the blood. The body attempts to compensate for this acidosis by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, a process known as Kussmaul respiration.

This compensatory mechanism aims to decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which in turn helps to reduce the acidity. The resultant pattern of breathing is deep, rapid breaths that are characteristic of hyperventilation. Recognizing this pattern is crucial in emergency settings, as it can be an indicator of DKA and the need for prompt medical intervention.