Which of the following describes agonal breathing?

Agonal breathing is characterized by intermittent, often irregular, and prolonged gasps. This form of breathing occurs during states of significant distress, such as cardiac arrest or extreme respiratory failure, and is not effective for adequate ventilation or oxygenation. It may sound labored and can often appear as a desperate attempt to breathe, which can confuse bystanders who might mistakenly interpret it as normal respiration.

When considering the context of the other choices, rapid shallow breaths (the first option) indicate a different breathing pattern associated with conditions like anxiety or hyperventilation, whereas deep, rhythmic breaths (the second option) suggest normal or even enhanced pulmonary function. Continuous normal breathing (the last option) also depicts a healthy respiratory state, which stands in stark contrast to agonal breathing. Thus, the unique and intermittent nature of agonal breathing is what makes it distinctly recognizable in emergency situations.