A 50-year-old male suffers a severe head injury when his motorcycle hits a tree. His breathing becomes deep and rapid, but with normal pattern. This condition is called:
A) gasping.
B) ataxic breathing.
C) apneusis.
D) central neurogenic hyperventilation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The description of deep and rapid breathing with a normal pattern is characteristic of central neurogenic hyperventilation, which is caused by damage to the brainstem. Ataxic breathing is characterized by inconsistent and irregular breathing patterns, while apneusis is characterized by deep, prolonged inspirations followed by brief expirations. Gasping is a reflexive, ineffective breathing pattern commonly seen in dying patients. None of these conditions match the description given in the question as well as central neurogenic hyperventilation.

A 50-Year-Old Male Suffers a Severe Head Injury When His