The nurse notes that the client has an irregular respiratory rate, with periods of apnea and increases in respiration, followed by a reversal of the pattern. The nurse reports this respiratory assessment as which one of the following?

Question

a. Biot's respirations
b. Kussmaul's respirations
c. Hyperpneic respirations
d. Cheyne-Stokes respirations

Answer 1

D
Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by an irregular respiratory rate with alternating pe-riods of apnea and hyperventilation. The respiratory cycle begins with slow, shallow breaths that gradually increase to an abnormal rate and depth. The pattern then reverses, breathing slows and becomes shallow, and the pattern climaxes in apnea before respiration resumes.
Biot's respirations are abnormally shallow for two to three breaths, followed by an irregular pe-riod of apnea.
Kussmaul's respirations are abnormally deep, regular, and increased in rate.
Hyperpneic respirations are laboured, increased in depth, and increased in rate (more than 20 breaths per minute). These respirations occur normally during exercise.