Increased depth of breathing with normal respiratory rate is called?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

Hyperpnoea is defined as an increase in the depth and force of breathing.
It can occur with a normal respiratory rate, especially as a physiological response to exercise or increased metabolic demand.
The key feature described in the question is the increased depth of breathing while the rate remains normal, which is the classic definition of hyperpnoea.
This distinguishes it from other patterns like tachypnoea (increased rate) or hyperventilation (increased rate and depth).

Option A: Bradypnoea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate (typically less than 12 breaths per minute in an adult), not an increased depth of breathing.
Option C: Kussmaul's breathing is a specific pattern characterized by deep, labored, and rapid breathing. It is a sign of severe metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The respiratory rate is typically increased, not normal.
Option D: Orthopnoea is difficulty breathing (dyspnea) that occurs when a person is lying flat and is relieved by sitting or standing up. It is a positional symptom, not a specific pattern of respiratory rate and depth.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of respiratory patterns based on rate and depth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurately identifying and documenting respiratory patterns is a fundamental nursing skill for assessing a patient's physiological status and detecting early signs of deterioration.
Observing a change from a normal breathing pattern to one like Kussmaul's breathing is a critical finding that requires immediate investigation for underlying metabolic acidosis.
What if? If the question had described 'increased rate and depth of breathing,' the correct answer would be hyperventilation, which involves an increase in both parameters.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptors in the question: 'increased depth' and 'normal respiratory rate'.
This is a recall-based question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology for different breathing patterns.
Evaluate each option against the two key descriptors.
Bradypnoea relates to a slow rate, which is incorrect.
Hyperpnoea is defined as increased depth, which can occur with a normal rate. This matches the question.
Kussmaul's breathing involves both increased depth and an increased rate, so it is incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.