Which of the following occurs as a result of breathing difficulties in drowning?

When an individual experiences breathing difficulties while drowning, one of the physiological responses that may occur is agonal breathing. Agonal breathing refers to abnormal, labored breaths that are often gasping in nature. This type of breathing can be a reflexive response to the lack of oxygen and can occur when the body is under extreme stress, such as during a drowning incident. It often signifies a critical state where the body's normal respiratory function is severely compromised. Recognizing agonal breathing can be crucial for lifeguards and first responders, as it indicates that immediate intervention is necessary to restore proper breathing and oxygenation.

Understanding the nature of agonal breathing can also help differentiate it from normal breathing patterns. In emergencies, recognizing this irregular form of respiration can aid in timely and appropriate lifesaving measures, such as initiating rescue breathing or CPR, thereby increasing the chances of survival for the drowning victim.