Apnea (n.) is defined as which of the following?

• A. Absence of breathing
• B. Rapid breathing
• C. Difficulty breathing
• D. Painful breathing

Answer: (A)

Apnea means a complete cessation of breathing—the person isn’t taking in air during that time. This is different from rapid breathing, which is fast breaths but air is still moving; from difficulty breathing, which is the sensation or presence of trouble getting air in; and from painful breathing, which is breathing that hurts. In CNA practice, recognizing apnea is critical because it can quickly lead to insufficient oxygen. If you observe no breathing, check the airway and breathing, call for help, and follow your facility’s emergency procedures. (Note: sleep apnea refers to breathing pauses during sleep, but the basic definition is a stoppage of breathing.)