An LPN notices a dying client's breathing has changed to irregular cycles with periods of no breathing followed by rapid deep breaths. What is this breathing pattern called?

CHEYNE-STOKES RESPIRATIONS: Pattern: gradually increasing then decreasing depth of breathing, followed by a period of apnoea (10-60 seconds), then the cycle repeats; CAUSE: Progressive decrease in cerebral perfusion and CO2 sensitivity as death approaches; CO2 builds during apnoea, triggering a burst of breathing until CO2 is cleared, then apnoea again; CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Normal finding at end of life — not a sign of distress or need for emergency intervention; FAMILY EDUCATION: Families are often frightened by Cheyne-Stokes — explain that this is a normal part of the dying process, is not painful or distressing to the patient, and indicates the person is entering the final stage. COMPARE: Kussmaul = deep rapid breathing (metabolic acidosis); Biot's = irregular varying depth with apnoea (brainstem damage); Ataxic = completely irregular (severe brainstem damage).