A patient who is unconscious displays a rhythmical breathing pattern of rapid deep respirations followed by rapid shallow respirations, alternating with periods of apnea. What type of respirations is this?

• A. Kussmaul
• B. Cheyne-Stokes
• C. Biot
• D. Apneustic

Answer: (B)

Cheyne-Stokes breathing is a repeating cycle of waxing and waning tidal volumes with periodic pauses in breathing. The pattern described—breathing that becomes rapid and deep, then rapid and shallow, alternating with periods of no breathing—fits this cyclical, crescendo-decrescendo rhythm often seen in unconscious patients with central nervous system dysfunction or advanced heart failure. This contrasts with other patterns: Kussmaul is a steady, regular deep and fast breathing without apneic pauses; Biot consists of irregular breath groups with varying depths and unpredictable apnea; Apneustic breathing shows a prolonged inspiratory pause. The described sequence best matches Cheyne-Stokes respiration.