Which statement about inadequate breathing is correct?

Which statement about inadequate breathing is correct?
A . A breathing rate that is either too fast or too slow may indicate inadequate breathing.
B . Inadequate breathing is much less common in small children than in older adults.
C . Increased effort of breathing is often a normal sign and is not associated with inadequate breathing.
D . A patient breathing very deeply or very shallowly is compensating for an abnormal respiratory rate.

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

A respiratory rate that is either too fast or too slow may be a sign of inadequate breathing. Respiratory distress occurs with many medical and trauma problems and spans the age groups, making choice b inaccurate. An increased work (effort) of breathing frequently accompanies inadequate breathing as the patient attempts to compensate, but it should never be considered a “normal sign” as suggested by choice c. Patients may breathe shallowly or deeply for a number of reasons, only one of which is to compensate for an abnormal rate, making choice d inaccurate.