Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

What is the term for the absence of respirations lasting longer than 15 seconds?

1. Tachypnea

2. Bradycardia

3. Apnea

4. Hypopnea

The correct answer is: Apnea

The term that refers to the absence of respirations lasting longer than 15 seconds is "apnea." This condition is significant in the medical field, as it can indicate serious underlying health problems, such as respiratory failure or sleep apnea. During apnea, the individual does not breathe, which can lead to a decrease in oxygen in the blood. In contrast, tachypnea describes an increased respiratory rate, while bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate. Hypopnea denotes shallow or abnormally low ventilation, which is different from complete cessation of breathing defined by apnea. Understanding these terms is crucial for patient care technicians, as identifying breathing irregularities can be key in assessing a patient's condition.