Which description best fits the breath pattern known as Kussmaul respiration?

• A. A rapid, shallow breathing pattern
• B. Long, deep respirations with regular rhythm
• C. Cheyne-Stokes breathing with waxing and waning depth
• D. Apneustic breathing with prolonged inspiration

Answer: (B)

Kussmaul breathing is a metabolic-acidosis compensatory pattern where the patient makes long, deep breaths with a regular rhythm. The body increases tidal volume and maintains a steady rate to blow off CO2 and raise blood pH in the setting of acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis or renal failure. This pattern is distinct from rapid, shallow breathing, which shows quick but small breaths; from Cheyne-Stokes, which features waxing and waning depth with periodic pauses; and from apneustic breathing, which has a prolonged inspiratory pause. So the description of long, deep respirations with a regular rhythm best fits Kussmaul respiration.