What signs and symptoms would indicate inadequate breathing in a patient?
A) Increased effort to breathe, increased depth of respiration, pink dry skin, normal mental status
B) Rapid breathing, pale skin, and a normal mental status
C) Decreased depth of respiration, decreased rate of breathing, hot clammy skin, normal mental status
D) Increased effort to breathe, cyanosis, cool clammy skin, altered mental status

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased effort to breathe and cyanosis are both signs of inadequate breathing, indicating that the patient is struggling to get enough oxygen. Cool clammy skin and altered mental status may also occur as the body's oxygen level decreases. Increased depth of respiration and pink dry skin (Option A) may occur in response to exercise, anxiety, or fever, but do not necessarily indicate inadequate breathing. Rapid breathing and pale skin (Option B) may indicate hyperventilation or shock, but not necessarily inadequate breathing. Decreased depth and rate of breathing and hot clammy skin (Option C) may occur in response to heat exhaustion, but also do not necessarily indicate inadequate breathing.

What Signs and Symptoms Would Indicate Inadequate Breathing in a Patient