Word parts
What it means
Breathing that takes effort or leaves the person feeling short of air. It is a symptom, so the client's own report counts: a client can be dyspneic with a normal oxygen saturation. Nurses describe when it happens, such as at rest, on exertion (dyspnea on exertion, DOE) or when lying flat (orthopneaor-THOP-nee-uhDifficulty breathing when lying flat that eases when sitting or standing up.ortho- upright-pnea breathingFull entry ).
For the nurse
Ask the client to rate it and say what brings it on, then look for the signs that go with it: respiratory rate and depth, use of accessory muscles, oxygen saturation, skin color and the ability to speak in full sentences. Raise the head of the bed and stay with a client who is newly or suddenly short of breath while you report it.
In a chart
"Client reports dyspnea after walking to the bathroom; SpO2 93% on room air, resolves with rest."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SOB (shortness of breath); DOE (dyspnea on exertion) |
|---|---|
| Everyday words | shortness of breath |
| Spanish | disnea |
| Also written | dyspneic |