Question

Which of the following findings is MOST indicative of inadequate breathing in your patient?

1) Absent alveolar breath sounds
2) Altered mental status
3) Pulse oximetry <95 percent
4) Ashen or cyanotic skin color

Answer 1

The most indicative finding of inadequate breathing in a patient is absent alveolar breath sounds. Other findings such as altered mental status, pulse oximetry <95 percent, and ashen or cyanotic skin color can also be associated with inadequate breathing, but they are not as specific to inadequate breathing as absent alveolar breath sounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most indicative finding of inadequate breathing in a patient is absent alveolar breath sounds. Alveolar breath sounds are the normal sounds heard when air passes through the alveoli in the lungs during breathing. Absent alveolar breath sounds suggest that air is not reaching the alveoli properly, indicating inadequate breathing.

Other findings such as altered mental status, pulse oximetry <95 percent, and ashen or cyanotic skin color can also be associated with inadequate breathing, but they are not as specific to inadequate breathing as absent alveolar breath sounds.