Which term describes difficulty breathing or shortness of breath?

• A. Edema
• B. Dyspnea
• C. Insomnia
• D. Gastrotomy Tube

Answer: (B)

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is described by the term dyspnea. This specific medical word is used to label the sensation or awareness of not getting enough air, which can occur with lung or heart problems, infections, or during exertion. The other terms describe different concepts: edema means swelling from fluid buildup in tissues, insomnia means trouble sleeping, and a gastrostomy tube is a feeding tube placed into the stomach. Recognizing dyspnea is important in care because it guides how you respond—monitor the resident, help place them in a comfortable position with the head elevated, and report the symptoms to the nurse for further assessment and appropriate action.