Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

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What are agonal gasps a sign of?

Respiratory distress in asthmatic patients
Cardiac arrest with sporadic breathing attempts
Hyperventilation due to anxiety
Normal recovery from respiratory failure

The correct answer is: Cardiac arrest with sporadic breathing attempts

Agonal gasps are an indication of a critical state, often associated with cardiac arrest. These gasps are reflexive, irregular breaths that occur as a result of the brain's attempt to maintain oxygenation during a life-threatening situation. They are not indicative of effective breathing; rather, they signify that a person is likely in a state of severe hypoxia and is not receiving adequate respiratory drive or support. In the context of cardiac arrest, when the heart fails to pump blood effectively, the brain can lose oxygen supply, prompting these abnormal, gasping breaths. Agonal gasps can be mistaken for actual breathing, but they are not sustained and are generally not adequate to support life. Recognizing agonal gasps is crucial, as they can serve as an urgent call for immediate medical intervention, including CPR and defibrillation if indicated.