2-9
2-9. ABNORMAL RESPIRATIONS
a. Dyspnea. Difficult or labored breathing, normally requiring considerable exertion by the patient.
b. Apnea. Temporary cessation of breathing. A period of apnea may last for 30-60 seconds.
c. Tachypnea. Quick, shallow breathing.
d. Bradypnea. Abnormal slowness of breathing.
e. Hypoventilation. A state in which there is a reduced amount of air entering the pulmonary alveoli.
f. Hyperventilation. A state in which there is an increased amount of air entering the pulmonary alveoli.
g. Stertorous Respiration. Breathing accompanied by abnormal snoring sounds.
h. Cheyne-Stokes Respiration. An irregular rhythmic breathing pattern that begins with slow, shallow respirations that increase in rate and depth and then gradually decline again. A period of apnea lasting 10-60 seconds follows, and the pattern then repeats itself.
