DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What is a common symptom of hyperventilation in a patient?

1. Bradypnea

2. Shortness of breath with rapid breathing

3. Feeling faint with prolonged breathing

4. Decreased heart rate

The correct answer is: Shortness of breath with rapid breathing

The symptom of shortness of breath with rapid breathing is associated with hyperventilation because this condition is characterized by an increased respiratory rate and depth of breathing, often leading to feelings of anxiety or panic. Hyperventilation occurs when a person breathes faster than their body needs, which can disrupt the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood. This rapid breathing can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, tingling in extremities, and a sense of breathlessness, which fits well with the description of shortness of breath combined with rapid breathing. In contrast, other options present symptoms that do not align with hyperventilation. For instance, bradypnea refers to an unusually slow respiratory rate, which contradicts the nature of hyperventilation. Feeling faint with prolonged breathing may occur in certain contexts, but it is not a direct symptom of hyperventilation itself. Similarly, a decreased heart rate is not typical of hyperventilation; this condition is more likely to increase heart rate due to the body’s response to lower levels of carbon dioxide.