Which term would the nurse use in report to describe a patient who gets short of breath walking down the hall?
Subcutaneous emphysema
Air hunger
Orthopnea
Exertional dyspnea
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is Exertional dyspnea.
Exertional dyspnea refers to difficulty breathing that occurs during physical activity, such as walking, climbing stairs, or other forms of exertion. This term is commonly used to describe shortness of breath or labored breathing that happens when a person is physically active but tends to improve with rest. In the case of the patient who becomes short of breath when walking down the hall, it indicates that their respiratory system struggles to meet the oxygen demands during activity.
The other terms mentioned are not as appropriate for describing this specific situation:
- Subcutaneous emphysema: This refers to air trapped under the skin, usually after trauma or injury to the respiratory tract. The trapped air may cause a crackling sensation when the skin is pressed. It doesn’t describe difficulty breathing during exertion.
- Air hunger: This term refers to a strong sensation of needing air, which may be experienced in conditions like respiratory distress or severe asthma. While it might describe a feeling of discomfort, it does not specifically refer to the shortness of breath during exertion.
- Orthopnea: This is shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat. It is commonly associated with heart failure and is relieved by sitting or standing up. It differs from exertional dyspnea because it is related to body position rather than physical activity.
Exertional dyspnea may indicate underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, anemia, or other pulmonary issues. It’s important for the nurse to report this symptom, as it could signal the need for further evaluation and potentially a change in treatment or care plan. This term accurately describes a patient’s difficulty breathing during activities, which helps guide appropriate clinical interventions.