What term means no breathing?

What term means no breathing?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Apnea
• C. Obstruction
• D. Aspiration

Answer: (B)

Apnea means no breathing—the complete cessation of airflow for a period of time. This is the term used when there is a pause in respiration, which is especially critical to recognize during sedation monitoring because gas exchange stops and oxygen levels can fall quickly. Dyspnea describes the sensation of difficult or labored breathing, not an absence of breathing. Obstruction refers to a blockage in the airway that reduces airflow, which can lead to apnea if severe but doesn’t itself define the absence of breaths. Aspiration is the inhalation of material into the airway, which can cause choking or pneumonia, but it isn’t the term for no breathing.

Apnea means no breathing—the complete cessation of airflow for a period of time. This is the term used when there is a pause in respiration, which is especially critical to recognize during sedation monitoring because gas exchange stops and oxygen levels can fall quickly. Dyspnea describes the sensation of difficult or labored breathing, not an absence of breathing. Obstruction refers to a blockage in the airway that reduces airflow, which can lead to apnea if severe but doesn’t itself define the absence of breaths. Aspiration is the inhalation of material into the airway, which can cause choking or pneumonia, but it isn’t the term for no breathing.