Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by inadequate breathing effort requiring the use of accessory muscles?

1. Asthma attack

2. Normal respiration

3. Respiratory alkalosis

4. COPD

The correct answer is: Asthma attack

An asthma attack is characterized by airway constriction and inflammation, leading to difficulty in breathing. During an asthma attack, the patient often experiences inadequate breathing efforts, necessitating the use of accessory muscles to assist with respiration. This is due to the narrowing of the airways, which causes a significant increase in the effort required to inhale and exhale air. Patients may engage their neck and shoulder muscles as they struggle to breathe, highlighting the severity of their respiratory distress. This reliance on accessory muscles is a clear indicator of inadequate breathing and suggests that the body is working harder in an attempt to achieve adequate ventilation. In contrast, normal respiration involves a relaxed state where the diaphragm primarily drives breathing, and conditions like respiratory alkalosis and COPD may have different implications related to breathing effort and muscle usage.