Question

The nurse sees that the client will breathe deeply and then stop breathing for a short while. Which of the following does this observation suggest?

a) This client is hyperventilating.
b) This client is in a diabetic coma.
c) This client has pneumonia.
d) This is seen in aging people, people with heart failure, and people who have suffered brain damage.

Answer 1

The observation suggests that the client is experiencing central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain's respiratory centers do not respond properly to rising carbon dioxide levels. This can be caused by medical conditions or medications and results in a temporary cessation of breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation suggests that the client is experiencing central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs when the respiratory centers of the brain do not respond properly to rising carbon dioxide levels, causing breathing to stop for a short period. This can be caused by conditions such as stroke and congestive heart failure, as well as certain medications like morphine. The symptoms of central sleep apnea are similar to those of obstructive sleep apnea.