A nurse is updating the electronic health record after assessing a client who reports, "I feel like I can't catch my breath." The nurse observes labored respirations that are not related to body position. Which approved medical term should the nurse document to describe this symptom?
Dyspnea is the approved clinical term for the subjective sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing. It is recognized in standardized vocabularies such as SNOMED-CT and is assigned the ICD-10 code R06.02 when not otherwise specified. Orthopnea refers specifically to shortness of breath that occurs when lying flat; apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing; and tachypnea denotes an abnormally rapid breathing rate. Using these terms correctly promotes precise, unambiguous communication among healthcare providers.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is dyspnea?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is standardized terminology important in nursing documentation?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are some other approved terms related to respiratory assessment?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
NCLEX RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access