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Biot's respirations [Ataxic respirations]

A late and ominous sign of neurologic deterioration, Biot's respirations are characterized by an irregular and unpredictable rate, rhythm, and depth. This rare breathing pattern may appear abruptly and may reflect increased pressure on the medulla coinciding with brain stem compression.

Emergency interventions

Observe the patient's breathing pattern for several minutes to avoid confusing Biot's respirations with other respiratory patterns. (See Identifying Biot's respirations, page 78.) Assess the patient's respiratory status and prepare to intubate him and provide mechanical ventilation. Next, take his vital signs, noting especially increased systolic pressure.

Medical causes

❑ Brain stem compression. Biot's respirations are characteristic in brain stem compression, a neurologic emergency. Rapidly enlarging lesions may cause ataxic respirations and lead to complete respiratory arrest.

Special considerations

Monitor the patient's vital signs frequently, including oxygen saturation. Elevate the head of the patient's bed 30 degrees to help reduce intracranial pressure. Prepare the patient for emergency surgery to relieve pressure on the brain stem. Computed tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging may confirm the cause of brain stem compression.

Because Biot's respirations typically reflect a grave prognosis, give the patient's family information and emotional support.

Pediatric pointers

Biot's respirations are rarely seen in children.

Pictures

Biot's respirations [Ataxic respirations] - 4407.1.jpg

Book Source Details

  • Book Title: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)
  • Author(s): Springhouse
  • Year of Publication: 2006
  • Copyright Details: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), Copyright © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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  • Stridor
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  • Bradypnea
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  • Hyperpnea
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  • Orthopnea
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  • Stridor
  • "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
  • [ read ]
  • Tachypnea
  • "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
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  • Wheezing
  • "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
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  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
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  • Hyperpnea
  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
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  • Orthopnea
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  • Stridor
  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
  • [ read ]
  • Tachypnea
  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
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  • Wheezing
  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
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  • Wheezing
  • "The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics" (2006)
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  • Apnea
  • "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
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  • Bradypnea
  • "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
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  • Dyspnea
  • "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
  • [ read ]
  • Hyperpnea
  • "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
  • [ read ]
  • Orthopnea
  • "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
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  • Stridor
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  • Tachypnea
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Copyright Details: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Shortness of breath



More About This Book:
Title: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)
Authors: Springhouse
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright: 2006
ISBN: 1-58255-402-1

 » Next page: Dyspnea (A Pocket Manual of Differential Diagnosis)

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