Agonal respirations are:

• A. Slow, irregular gasping breaths
• B. Normal breathing
• C. Rapid breathing
• D. Absent breaths

Answer: (A)

Agonal respirations are slow, irregular gasping breaths that occur when the heart is failing or has stopped. They’re not normal, effective breathing—the gasps are irregular and often inadequate for ventilation. Because they don’t provide meaningful oxygen delivery, they’re a sign of impending or actual cardiac arrest. Treat the situation as no effective breathing and begin CPR immediately, calling for help and an AED as needed.

This differs from normal breathing, which would be regular and adequate; from rapid breathing, which is fast and not characteristic of the agonal pattern; and from absent breaths, where there are no breaths at all. The presence of these gasps means ventilation is ineffective, reinforcing the need for immediate CPR.