Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Cheyne-Stokes breathing patterns are defined by a specific oscillating or cyclical breathing pattern known as crescendo-decrescendo. This means that the individual's breathing gradually increases in depth and rate (crescendo) before gradually decreasing (decrescendo), often leading to periods of apnea or very shallow breathing. This rhythmic change in breathing is typically associated with conditions affecting the central nervous system or heart failure, and it reflects altered respiratory control mechanisms.

The characteristic smooth rise and fall in breathing depth is essential to identify Cheyne-Stokes respiration, making the answer that describes this pattern accurate. In contrast, other options do not capture the distinct nature of this pattern. Rapid shallow breathing lacks the crescendo-decrescendo quality, consistent breathing rhythm does not allow for the variability seen in Cheyne-Stokes, and irregular breathing instances do not encompass the organized cyclical pattern typical of this type of respiration.