What term describes the absence of respirations?

Apnea is the term used to describe the absence of respirations. It refers to a temporary cessation of breathing, which can occur due to various reasons such as sleep apnea or during a medical emergency. Understanding apnea is crucial for medical professionals, including certified medical assistants, because recognizing and responding to the signs of halted breathing is critical for patient care and safety.

In contrast, dyspnea refers to difficulty or labored breathing, which indicates an underlying condition that makes breathing uncomfortable or challenging. Hypoxemia refers to low levels of oxygen in the blood, which can be a result of inadequate ventilation but is not synonymous with the absence of breathing itself. Bradycardia involves an abnormally slow heart rate and does not pertain to respiratory function either.