What are the occasional, ineffective respirations commonly referred to in medical emergencies?

The term for occasional, ineffective respirations in medical emergencies is known as agonal respirations. These are characterized by irregular, gasping breaths that are often seen when a person is nearing death or experiencing severe respiratory distress. Agonal respirations are generally inadequate for oxygenating the body and are typically a sign of a critical condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

In contrast to this, hyperventilation involves rapid or deep breathing, which can occur in response to anxiety or panic, and is not characterized by ineffective breaths. Normal respirations refer to typical breathing patterns, while apneic respirations indicate a complete absence of breathing. Therefore, agonal respirations are distinct in that they signal a serious medical emergency that requires urgent attention to restore effective breathing and ensure patient survival.