A patient reports that he was climbing Mount Hood and noted an increase in the depth of his respirations. This physical examination finding is called

a. apneustic respirations. c. air trapping.
b. Biot's respirations. d. hyperpnea.


D
Hyperpnea is an exaggerated deep, rapid, or labored respiration that occurs with any condition in which the supply of oxygen is inadequate. Patients who go into high-altitude regions will become hyperpneic because of the decreased partial pressure of oxygen. Deep breaths and tachypnea represent an attempt to supply the oxygen needs of the body. Apneustic respirations are characterized by a prolonged gasping during inspiration followed by a very short, inefficient expiration. This disorder can be caused by injury to the upper portion of the pons. In Biot's respirations, there is no identifiable pattern to the respiratory cycle. There is the absence of a crescendo and decrescendo pattern. Deep and shallow breaths occur at random intervals interspersed with short and long pauses. Periods of apnea can be long and frequent. Air trapping is an abnormal respiratory pattern with rapid, shallow respirations and forced expiration.

Nursing

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