The nurse is assessing the client's respiratory pattern and notes periods of deep breathing alternating with periods of apnea. When documenting this assessment finding, which term is the most appropriate for the nurse to use?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cheyne-Stokes is characterized by periods of deep breathing alternating with periods of apnea, which matches the assessment finding described in the question stem. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, obstructive breathing indicates difficulty in breathing due to obstruction, and hypoventilation refers to reduced ventilation. None of these terms accurately describe the pattern described in the question stem.

The Nurse Is Assessing the Client's Respiratory Pattern and Notes