What term would the dialysis technician use to describe rapid and deep breathing in a patient?

The term that a dialysis technician would use to describe rapid and deep breathing in a patient is known as Kussmaul respiration. This type of breathing pattern is characteristic of metabolic acidosis, particularly seen in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, where the body attempts to expel carbon dioxide to compensate for the acidotic state.

Kussmaul respiration is distinguished by its deep, labored breaths that signify the body’s efforts to correct the acid-base imbalance. This term is specific to the context of underlying metabolic issues, making it the most accurate choice for describing the phenomenon of rapid and deep breathing in patients, especially in the context of dialysis and related metabolic conditions.

While other terms describe different breathing patterns or sensations, they do not accurately fit the criteria of "rapid and deep" as Kussmaul respiration does. For instance, Cheyne-Stokes respiration involves a pattern of gradual increases and decreases in breathing, while dyspnea refers generally to difficulty in breathing, and hyperventilation can occur but may not always involve deep breaths.