In what percentage of patients do agonal gasps occur?

Agonal gasps are infrequent, labored breathing patterns that can occur in a patient who is in cardiac arrest. Studies indicate that agonal gasps can be observed in approximately 40% of patients at the time of their cardiac arrest. They are a crucial sign because they can be mistakenly interpreted by bystanders as effective breathing, potentially delaying the initiation of CPR. Recognizing that agonal gasps are a sign of severe distress and lack of effective ventilation is important for prompt resuscitation efforts. The percentage highlights the prevalence of this phenomenon, emphasizing the need for awareness among caregivers and bystanders to ensure timely and appropriate intervention in emergencies. Hence, the answer of 40% provides a critical understanding of how frequently agonal gasps appear in such serious situations.