Nurse Audrey is caring for a client who has suffered a severe cerebrovascular accident. During routine assessment, the nurse notices Cheyne- Stokes respirations. Cheyne-stokes respirations are:
A. Progressively deeper breath followed by shallower breaths with apneic periods.
B. Rapid, deep breathing with abrupt pauses between each breath.
C. Rapid, deep breathing and irregular breathing without pauses.
D. Shallow breathing with an increased respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: A. Progressively deeper breaths followed by shallower breaths with apneic periods.
Cheyne-Stokes respirations are breaths that become progressively deeper followed by more shallow respirations with apneic periods.
Option B: Biot’s respirations are rapid, deep breathing with abrupt pauses between each breath, and equal depth between each breath.
Option C: Kussmaul’s respirations are rapid, deep breathing without pauses.
Option D: Tachypnea is shallow breathing with increased respiratory rate.