What are Kussmaul respirations characterized by?

Kussmaul respirations are characterized by very deep and rapid respirations. This breathing pattern is typically associated with metabolic acidosis, such as that which can occur in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. The body attempts to compensate for the acidosis by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to excrete more carbon dioxide, which is an acidic component, thus helping to increase blood pH back toward normal levels.

The deep and rapid nature of these respirations can be seen as the body’s effort to improve oxygenation while removing excess carbon dioxide. This type of breathing is distinct and easily identifiable, often described as a form of hyperventilation that has a specific rhythm and depth to it. In contrast, the other options suggest different respiratory patterns that do not accurately describe Kussmaul respirations. Shallow and slow breathing, irregular breathing patterns, or prolonged expiration with short inspiration would not reflect the compensatory mechanism of Kussmaul respirations, which are specifically a response to metabolic derangement.