Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What term describes a sensation of shortness of breath?

1. Hypoxia

2. Dyspnea

3. Apnea

4. Bradypnea

The correct answer is: Dyspnea

The sensation of shortness of breath is specifically described by the term dyspnea. This term refers to the subjective experience of difficulty or discomfort in breathing, which can be caused by a variety of conditions affecting the respiratory system, heart function, or other factors. Individuals experiencing dyspnea may feel as though they are unable to get enough air, which can be distressing and may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires attention. In contrast, hypoxia refers to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the tissues, which is a physiological state rather than a sensation. Apnea describes a temporary cessation of breathing, often during sleep, which results in a complete lack of breath rather than a sensation of breathlessness. Bradypnea is a medical term for unusually slow breathing, which does not directly describe the feeling of shortness of breath. Thus, the choice of dyspnea is not only accurate in describing the condition but also aligns with the terminology used in clinical and emergency care settings.