What is a common respiratory pattern exhibited by someone with cystic fibrosis?

What is a common respiratory pattern exhibited by someone with cystic fibrosis?

• A. Bradycardia and shallow breathing
• B. Hypoventilation and normal respiratory rate
• C. Tachypnea and dyspnea on exertion
• D. Apnea with normal lung sounds

Answer: (C)

Cystic fibrosis is characterized by the production of thick, sticky mucus that can obstruct the airways and lead to various respiratory complications. As a result, individuals with cystic fibrosis often exhibit an increased respiratory rate, known as tachypnea, as their bodies attempt to compensate for limited airflow and reduced gas exchange. Additionally, dyspnea on exertion is a common symptom as patients struggle to breathe during physical activity due to airway obstruction and inflammation. This combination of rapid breathing and difficulty in breathing during exertion reflects the underlying pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis, where chronic lung infections and progressive lung disease are significant concerns. The other options do not accurately reflect the typical respiratory patterns observed in individuals with cystic fibrosis, as they describe conditions that would not align with the disease's hallmark features.

Cystic fibrosis is characterized by the production of thick, sticky mucus that can obstruct the airways and lead to various respiratory complications. As a result, individuals with cystic fibrosis often exhibit an increased respiratory rate, known as tachypnea, as their bodies attempt to compensate for limited airflow and reduced gas exchange.

Additionally, dyspnea on exertion is a common symptom as patients struggle to breathe during physical activity due to airway obstruction and inflammation. This combination of rapid breathing and difficulty in breathing during exertion reflects the underlying pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis, where chronic lung infections and progressive lung disease are significant concerns.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical respiratory patterns observed in individuals with cystic fibrosis, as they describe conditions that would not align with the disease's hallmark features.