Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What symptom is characterized by shortness of breath?

1. Asthma

2. Dyspnea

3. Bradycardia

4. Tachypnea

The correct answer is: Dyspnea

The symptom characterized by shortness of breath is dyspnea. This term specifically refers to the subjective experience of breathing discomfort, which can manifest as difficulty in breathing or a feeling of shortness of breath. Dyspnea can be caused by various conditions, including respiratory or cardiovascular issues, and it is an important symptom that healthcare professionals assess to understand a patient's respiratory function and overall health status. While asthma is a condition that can cause dyspnea as a symptom, it is not itself synonymous with the term. Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, and tachypnea describes an increased breathing rate. Both bradycardia and tachypnea may involve breathing patterns but do not directly define the sensation of shortness of breath like dyspnea does. Thus, recognizing dyspnea as the correct answer highlights its role as a key indicator of respiratory distress or other underlying health issues.