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Multiple Choice

Which term refers to complete, paroxysmal occlusion of the airway?

When the airway is completely blocked suddenly, air cannot reach the lungs and breathing stops. That abrupt stoppage of breathing is called respiratory arrest. Respiration refers to the actual gas exchange at the cellular level, and ventilation is the mechanical movement of air in and out of the lungs. Hypoxia means tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen, which can happen after breathing stops but isn’t the moment-of-occlusion term itself. So the term that best describes a complete, sudden blockage causing the cessation of breathing is respiratory arrest.

When the airway is completely blocked suddenly, air cannot reach the lungs and breathing stops. That abrupt stoppage of breathing is called respiratory arrest. Respiration refers to the actual gas exchange at the cellular level, and ventilation is the mechanical movement of air in and out of the lungs. Hypoxia means tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen, which can happen after breathing stops but isn’t the moment-of-occlusion term itself. So the term that best describes a complete, sudden blockage causing the cessation of breathing is respiratory arrest.