During a sleep study, a tech observes a patient exhibiting a series of slow, deep breaths holding each one for 60-90 seconds. This pattern can be best described as?

The observed pattern of a patient exhibiting a series of slow, deep breaths, each held for 60-90 seconds, can be best described as an apneustic breathing pattern. Apneustic breathing is characterized by prolonged inspiration followed by a pause at the end of inhalation, resulting in deep, gasping breaths that are held for an extended period before a normal or shorter expiration occurs. This type of breathing is often associated with damage to the brainstem or certain neurological conditions.

In contrast, Cheyne-Stokes respiration involves a cyclical pattern of gradually increasing depth of breathing followed by a decrease, leading to a period of apnea. Kussmaul's breathing is a deep, labored breathing pattern often seen in metabolic acidosis, characterized by a rapid and deep breathing effort. Biot's respiration features irregular breathing with periods of apnea, differing significantly from the sustained breaths seen in apneustic breathing.

Therefore, the specific description of slow, deep breaths being held for a significant duration aligns precisely with the characteristics of apneustic breathing.