Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What do we call difficulty breathing?

1. Tachypnea

2. Dyspnea

3. Hypoventilation

4. Apnea

The correct answer is: Dyspnea

The term for difficulty breathing is dyspnea. This condition refers to the sensation of shortness of breath or the feeling of having to work harder than usual to breathe. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including respiratory disorders, heart conditions, or even anxiety. Understanding the nuances of this terminology is crucial for anyone working in laboratory animal care, as it helps in recognizing and addressing animal welfare concerns effectively. Other terms in the choices refer to different respiratory issues: tachypnea denotes an increased respiratory rate, often seen during physical exertion or in response to stress. Hypoventilation refers to decreased breathing efficiency, which can lead to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the body. Apnea indicates a temporary cessation of breathing altogether. These distinctions are important but do not pertain specifically to the difficulty associated with breathing, which is why dyspnea is the correct term in this context.