Cheyne-Stokes respiration is characterized by which pattern?

• A. Kussmaul respiration
• B. Apneustic respiration
• C. Eupneic breathing
• D. Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Answer: (D)

Periodic breathing patterns are being tested here. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is a cyclic pattern in which breathing waxes and wanes in a regular crescendo-decrescendo of tidal volume, followed by a brief period of apnea. The cycle then repeats. This sequence reflects instability in the brain’s control of breathing and is often seen in patients with heart failure or certain central nervous system injuries. By contrast, Kussmaul respiration is rapid, deep breathing with no pauses (as in metabolic acidosis), apneustic respiration features a prolonged inspiratory pause, and eupneic breathing is normal, quiet breathing. Therefore, the described pattern is Cheyne-Stokes respiration.