Nokea
During an assessment of the respiratory pattern of an older adult client receiving end-of-life care, which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as Cheyne-Stokes respirations?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a pattern of breathing that ranges from very deep to very shallow with periods of apnea. This pattern reflects an abnormal breathing cycle that is often seen in end-of-life care or in patients with severe neurological problems.
Choice B is incorrect because it describes a pattern of shallow to normal breaths alternating with periods of apnea, which is not characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
Choice C is incorrect as it describes rapid respirations that are unusually deep and regular, which is not consistent with the pattern of Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
Choice D is also incorrect because it describes an inability to breathe without dyspnea unless sitting upright, which is not a characteristic of Cheyne-Stokes respirations.