New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What is the most accurate definition of dyspnea?

1. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

2. A complete cessation of respiratory effort

3. A marked increase in the exhalation phase

4. Labored breathing with reduced tidal volume

The correct answer is: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Dyspnea is best defined as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This term encompasses a range of experiences regarding the sensation of breathing, where individuals may feel an increased effort to breathe or an awareness of their breathing that is often uncomfortable. It can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including respiratory and cardiac issues, and can occur in both acute and chronic situations. The other options provide specific conditions related to breathing but do not capture the broader and more encompassing definition of dyspnea. For example, a complete cessation of respiratory effort would refer to apnea, while a marked increase in the exhalation phase might indicate a specific respiratory pattern but does not address the sensation of breathlessness. Similarly, labored breathing with reduced tidal volume describes a condition of breathing but does not fully convey the subjective experience that dyspnea represents.