ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which condition describes a patient unable to breathe easily while in a recumbent position?

1. Dyspnea

2. Apnea

3. Orthopnea

4. Oligopnea

The correct answer is: Orthopnea

The condition that describes a patient who is unable to breathe easily while in a recumbent position is orthopnea. This term specifically refers to difficulty breathing that occurs when lying flat and is often relieved by sitting or standing up. Orthopnea is commonly associated with various medical conditions, particularly heart failure, where fluid accumulation around the lungs, known as pulmonary congestion, makes it harder for patients to breathe effectively when supine. Each of the other options refers to different respiratory issues. Dyspnea, for instance, is a general term for shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which can occur in any position and is not specific to the recumbent posture. Apnea indicates a temporary cessation of breathing and does not address the difficulty of breathing in a specific position. Oligopnea refers to a decreased respiratory rate, not specifically linked to positioning or difficulty in breathing while lying down. Therefore, orthopnea is the most accurate description of the condition in question.