Final answer:
Central sleep apnea is the term used to describe a resident experiencing alternating periods of dyspnea and apnea. It occurs when the respiratory centers in the brain do not respond properly, leading to pauses in breathing during sleep.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of sleep apnea, when a resident experiences periods of difficulty breathing (dyspnea) alternating with periods of no breathing (apnea), it is called central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs when the respiratory centers in the brain do not respond properly to rising carbon dioxide levels, leading to a temporary cessation of breathing. This type of sleep apnea is different from obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by physical blockage of the airway.