North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What characterizes Cheyne-Stokes respirations?

1. Deep, rapid breaths followed by a period of apnea

2. Regular slow breathing with pauses

3. Irregular respirations followed by a period of apnea

4. Consistently shallow and rapid breaths

The correct answer is: Irregular respirations followed by a period of apnea

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a cyclical pattern of breathing that includes periods of gradually increasing depth and rate of breaths, followed by a decrease in depth and a complete stop in breathing (apnea). This pattern typically repeats, creating a distinctive rhythm. The key feature of Cheyne-Stokes respirations is the irregularity in the breathing pattern – the breaths become progressively deeper and stronger before tapering off into shallow breaths and then stopping altogether for a brief period. This can often be observed in patients with certain brain injuries, heart failure, or during the dying process. In contrast, deep, rapid breaths followed by a period of apnea refer more to a different respiratory pattern seen in conditions like hyperventilation. Regular slow breathing with pauses would describe a more consistent rate of respiration rather than the variable nature seen in Cheyne-Stokes. Consistently shallow and rapid breaths do not capture the cyclical pattern of increasing and decreasing respiration that is characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes. Thus, the choice that reflects the irregular cyclical breathing along with periods of apnea accurately describes Cheyne-Stokes respirations.