Final answer:
As death approaches, the respiratory system shows changes such as shallow and irregular breathing, with possible Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Conditions like fibrosis and emphysema can complicate breathing further. The changes in ventilation and perfusion lead to altered gas exchange, impacting oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical manifestations of approaching death in regards to the Respiratory System often include a noticeable change in breathing patterns. One such pattern is known as shallow and irregular breathing. This can be observed when the depth of breathing decreases and the rhythm becomes unpredictable. Additionally, the dying process may involve what is known as 'Cheyne-Stokes' respiration, where periods of apnea (cessation of breathing) are followed by a gradual increase in the volume and frequency of breathing.
Many conditions can severely impact breathing, such as restrictive diseases like fibrosis, where the compliance of the lung decreases and respiratory efforts become more laborious. Conversely, diseases like asthma or emphysema increase airway resistance, trapping air in the lungs and further complicating the breathing process. In the final stages of life, the body's need for oxygen decreases, and efforts to breathe may reduce significantly before stopping altogether.
These changes are often accompanied by alterations in the ventilation and perfusion (V/Q mismatch), which affect gas exchange. As a result, oxygen levels in the blood could drastically fall while carbon dioxide levels rise, leading to a state of hypoxia or hypercapnia, respectively, profoundly affecting the individual's state of consciousness and overall physiological functioning as death approaches.