248 ANATOMY FOR NURSES [Chap. XIII 



Chejme-Stokes Respirations. — This is a type of respirations 

 which was first described by the two physicians whose names it 

 bears. It appears in two forms: (1) the respirations increase in 

 force and frequency up to a certain point, and then gradually de- 

 crease until they cease altogether, and there is a short period of 



Fig. 146. — Stethograph Tracing of Cheyne-Stokes Respirations in a 

 Man. The time is marked in seconds. (Halliburton.) 



apnoea, then the respirations recommence and the cycle is repeated. 

 (2) The respirations increase in force and frequency up to a certain 

 point, then cease, and the period of apnoea intervenes, without 

 the gradual cessation of the respirations. This condition is asso- 

 ciated with disease of the kidney, brain, or heart. The cause is 

 not settled, but it is of bad prognosis and generally indicates a 

 fatal termination. 



(Edematous Respiration. — When the air cells become in- 

 filtrated with fluid from the blood, the breathing becomes oedema- 

 tous and is recognized by the moist, rattling sounds, called rales, 

 that accompany each inspiration. It is a serious condition 

 because it interferes with aeration of the blood and often results in 

 asphyxia. 



Asphyxia. — This condition is usually the sequel to severe dysp- 

 noea and oedematous respiration. It is produced by any condition 

 that causes prolonged interference with the aeration of the blood. 

 After death from asph\ocia it will be found that the right side of 

 the heart, the ])ulmonary arteries and the systemic veins are over- 

 loaded, and the left side of the heart, the pulmonary veins, and the 

 systemic arteries are empty. 



