Which pattern involves cycles of shallow and deep breathing with periods of apnea?

Which pattern involves cycles of shallow and deep breathing with periods of apnea?

• A. Biot
• B. Apneustic
• C. Cheyne-Stokes
• D. Kussmaul

Answer: (C)

Cheyne-Stokes respiration shows cycles of gradually increasing and decreasing breathing (crescendo–decrescendo) followed by a period of apnea. The pattern starts with shallow breaths that build to a peak, then taper off to a pause, and then the cycle repeats. This regular waxing and waning with apnea occurs in conditions that disrupt central respiratory control, such as advanced heart failure or brain injury, due to a delayed or unstable response to CO2 levels. Other patterns differ in shape: Biot respiration is irregular with varying depth and rate and irregular apneas; Apneustic breathing features a prolonged inspiration with a pause at full inspiration; Kussmaul breathing is an ongoing, rapid, deep rhythm without apneic pauses, typical of metabolic acidosis.

Cheyne-Stokes respiration shows cycles of gradually increasing and decreasing breathing (crescendo–decrescendo) followed by a period of apnea. The pattern starts with shallow breaths that build to a peak, then taper off to a pause, and then the cycle repeats. This regular waxing and waning with apnea occurs in conditions that disrupt central respiratory control, such as advanced heart failure or brain injury, due to a delayed or unstable response to CO2 levels. Other patterns differ in shape: Biot respiration is irregular with varying depth and rate and irregular apneas; Apneustic breathing features a prolonged inspiration with a pause at full inspiration; Kussmaul breathing is an ongoing, rapid, deep rhythm without apneic pauses, typical of metabolic acidosis.