Any ideas on how to simulate Kussmaul respirations in SimMan?  Since the depth of respirations can't be altered I'm not sure how to show progression of the DKA other than an initial rapid rate, transitioning into a slower rate, and eventually respiratory arrest. Any ideas would be very helpful!

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Barbara K. Ratliff RN, BSN, MBA
Baptist Health Montgomery, AL
Institute for Patient Safety
and Medical Simulation
Simulation Specialist

Hi Barbara,

I was just looking at the CO2/EtCO2 waveform and I think by adjusting the expiration/inspiration of the cycle and then slowing the rate you may be able to have believable Kussmaul respirations.  There is a class in the lab right now so I can't try it out but I will as soon as I can and post the results.  Hope this helps.

 Dani

Did you have any luck, i am writing a scenario for the end of the month and was wondering how to simulate Kussmaul breathing in simbaby

 Thanks for any help

 Stuart Anderson

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Paediatrics

Not at all. I have to admit that it gave up trying.  There were simply too many other things to work on!  If you have any ideas, please post them!

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Barbara K. Ratliff RN, BSN, MBA
Baptist Health Montgomery, AL
Institute for Patient Safety
and Medical Simulation
Simulation Specialist

Hi Barbara and all,

I tried changing the waveform of the CO2/ETCO2 and the resps did not follow what I did.  This would have been great if they had!  Sam just kept breathing normally even though I had changed the waveform.  Maybe Laerdal will have changed that on the 3G, I don't recall from when I saw it so hopefully they will let us know. ;o)

Dani