Which term refers to shortness of breath?

• A. Apnea
• B. Dyspnea
• C. Hyperpnea
• D. Bradypnea

Answer: (B)

Shortness of breath is described by the term dyspnea, which denotes a subjective sensation of breathing difficulty or effort. It’s about how the person experiences breathing, not just what measurements show. Apnea means a pause or absence of breathing; hyperpnea is breathing with increased depth or rate often in response to exertion or metabolic needs; bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing. Since the question asks for the term that specifically means shortness of breath, dyspnea is the correct one.