Diabetic Ketoacidosis Induced increased Tidal Volume USMLE Step 2 CK
What’s happening to the girl? She has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) , a serious complication of type 1 diabetes . Her body does not have enough insulin , so it starts breaking down fat for energy. This leads to acid buildup (ketones) in the blood, causing the symptoms. Clues from the question: Excessive thirst & urination (polydipsia, polyuria) → Classic signs of diabetes. Weight loss → Her body is burning fat instead of using sugar. Fruity breath smell → Due to ketones, a sign of DKA. Vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain → Common symptoms of DKA. Fatigue but still alert → She’s sick but not yet in a coma. Why is the answer "Increased tidal volume" (C)? DKA causes high acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis). The body tries to fix this by breathing faster & deeper (Kussmaul breathing) to remove excess acid (CO₂). Tidal volume = amount of air taken in with each breath. In DKA, tidal volume increases as the body breathes ...