The nurse notes documentation that a client is exhibiting Cheyne-Stokes respirations. On assessment, what finding would the nurse expect?
Regular deep respirations interspersed with periods of apnea
A pattern of crescendo-decrescendo respirations followed by a period of apnea
Patient breathing less than 10 breaths per minute
Patient breathing shallow and more than 24 breaths per minute
The Correct Answer is B
A. Regular deep respirations interspersed with periods of apnea:
This describes periodic breathing, which is different from Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Periodic breathing consists of regular cycles of deep respirations followed by periods of apnea.
B. A pattern of crescendo-decrescendo respirations followed by a period of apnea
Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a pattern of crescendo-decrescendo respirations, meaning that the depth and rate of breathing gradually increase and then decrease. This is followed by a period of apnea, during which there is a temporary cessation of breathing. The cycle then repeats.
C. Patient breathing less than 10 breaths per minute:
This describes bradypnea, which is an abnormally slow respiratory rate. Cheyne-Stokes respirations involve rhythmic, cyclical changes in respiratory rate and depth.
D. Patient breathing shallow and more than 24 breaths per minute:
This describes tachypnea, which is an abnormally fast respiratory rate. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a distinct pattern of alternating crescendo-decrescendo respirations followed by apnea.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performs auscultation between meals:
Auscultating bowel sounds between meals is suitable as it allows for better detection of bowel sounds when digestion is not actively occurring.
B. Clamps the Naso Gastric tube during auscultation
Clamping the Naso Gastric (NG) tube during auscultation is appropriate. The NG tube when unclamped allows the free passage of air and fluid through the gastrointestinal tract. This could interfere with the natural sounds produced by the movement of air and fluid in the intestines, potentially leading to inaccurate assessment of bowel sounds.
C. Palpates the abdomen prior to performing auscultation:
Palpating the abdomen before auscultation may interfere with normal bowel sounds
D. Auscultates bowel sounds for 3 to 5 min:
Auscultating bowel sounds for a sufficient duration (3 to 5 minutes) is appropriate to comprehensively assess the presence, frequency, and character of bowel sounds.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lub-dub sounds:
This describes the normal heart sounds, with the "lub" representing the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves (S1) and the "dub" representing the closing of the aortic and pulmonic valves (S2). This is the typical and expected sound of a healthy heart.
B. Gentle blowing or swooshing noise:
This describes the characteristic sound of a heart murmur. Murmurs are abnormal sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, and they are often described as a gentle blowing or swooshing noise heard between the normal heart sounds.
C. Scratchy, leathery heart noise:
This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart sounds are usually described in terms of tones, clicks, or swooshing rather than scratchy or leathery.
D. Abrupt, high-pitched snapping noise:
This description is not typical for heart sounds or murmurs. Heart murmurs are generally characterized by a more continuous, blowing, or swooshing quality, rather than abrupt, high-pitched snapping noises.
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