A 10-year-old female develops pneumonia following a urinary tract infection. Physical exam reveals subcostal and intercostal retractions. She reports that breathing is difficult and she feels she cannot get enough air. This condition is referred to as:
A) cyanosis.
B) dyspnea.
C) hyperpnea.
D) orthopnea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including difficulty breathing and a feeling of not getting enough air, are characteristic of dyspnea, which is defined as labored or difficult breathing. Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to decreased oxygenation, hyperpnea refers to an increase in the depth and rate of breathing, and orthopnea refers to shortness of breath that occurs when lying down and is relieved by sitting up. While the patient may have some of these symptoms, dyspnea is the most appropriate choice given the given information.

A 10-Year-Old Female Develops Pneumonia Following a Urinary Tract Infection