Abnormal breathing patterns

Question 1

What may depress the respiratory control centers in the medulla?

Answer 1

Brain trauma or any event that disturbs brain function

This includes severe injuries and other disturbances affecting brain function.

Question 2

What results from severe traumatic brain injuries?

Answer 2

Bizarre respiratory patterns when one or more of the brain’s respiratory centers are damaged or deprived of adequate blood flow

These patterns can vary significantly based on the areas affected.

Question 3

Where are most of the brain’s respiratory centers located?

Answer 3

In and around the brainstem

The brainstem is crucial for controlling basic life functions, including respiration.

Question 4

What causes apneustic breathing?

Answer 4

Damage to the pneumotaxic center in the brain

Apneustic breathing is characterized by prolonged inhalation followed by short exhalation.

Question 5

What are Biot respirations indicative of?

Answer 5

Damage to the center that controls breathing rhythm

This pattern is irregular and may include lengthy apneic periods.

Question 6

Describe Cheyne-Stokes respirations.

Answer 6

A pattern where the depth of breathing gradually increases and then decreases, followed by an apneic period

This pattern is associated with higher brain functions.

Question 7

What may exaggerated Cheyne-Stokes respirations indicate?

Answer 7

Severe brain injury

In patients with this condition, the apneic period may last 30 to 60 seconds.

Question 8

What might injury high in the spinal cord cause?

Answer 8

Paralysis of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm

This paralysis significantly affects the ability to breathe normally.

Question 9

What effect do chronic illnesses have on respiratory muscles?

Answer 9

Weakening of the respiratory muscles

This can lead to reduced respiratory function over time.

Question 10

What happens to tidal volume in patients with chronic illnesses?

Answer 10

Tidal volume is shallow, and there is a corresponding decrease in minute volume

This often results in a need for assisted ventilation.

Question 11

Patients with weak respiratory muscles often need _______ to boost tidal volume.

Answer 11

assisted ventilation

Assisted ventilation helps increase minute volume and improve overall respiratory function.