What would indicate that a patient is experiencing agonal breaths?

Agonal breaths are characterized by an irregular and gasping pattern that often occurs in a patient who is in the final stages of respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. This type of breathing can appear as occasional, ineffective breaths that may seem reflexive rather than purposeful or adequate for sustaining life. They are inadequate for gas exchange and don’t provide sufficient airflow to maintain oxygen levels in the body.

Recognizing agonal breaths is crucial because they indicate a critical medical emergency where immediate intervention is required, such as initiating CPR. In contrast, the other options describe breathing patterns that are either normal, excessive, or rapid and deep, which do not align with the particular, distressing nature of agonal breathing that is seen in patients who may be near death or in severe distress.