Cheyne-Stokes respirations commonly occur in which type of client?

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by a cyclical pattern of breathing that includes periods of apnea followed by gradually increasing depth and rate of breathing, then a gradual decrease, leading to another period of apnea. This pattern is often associated with significant physiological changes in the body, particularly related to critical conditions.

Clients who are near death often exhibit these breathing patterns as their bodies begin to shut down. The presence of Cheyne-Stokes respirations in such clients typically indicates that the body is unable to maintain normal respiratory function, which is a common terminal sign in conditions such as heart failure or severe cerebral dysfunction.

In contrast, clients with asthma usually experience wheezing and shortness of breath but not the characteristic pattern of Cheyne-Stokes respirations. Clients who have just exercised would have increased and more regular respiratory rates due to increased oxygen demands, and those with heart conditions may experience irregularities in breathing, but these would not necessarily present as the Cheyne-Stokes pattern unless they are in a more advanced stage of their illness.

Understanding the context in which Cheyne-Stokes respirations occur can help in recognizing when a patient may be in a critical state, allowing for appropriate end-of-life care and interventions.