Which finding indicates increased work of breathing in a patient with dyspnea?

• A. Accessory muscle use and nasal flaring
• B. Normal quiet breathing
• C. Silent chest with no movement
• D. Nasal obstruction without dyspnea

Answer: (A)

Increased work of breathing is shown by the body recruiting extra muscles to help breathe. Accessory muscle use (like the neck and chest muscles) and nasal flaring are classic signs that the patient is struggli ng to draw air in and out, often because the airway is narrowed or the lungs are stiff. This extra muscular effort reflects trying to overcome resistance and poor lung compliance during inspiration.

Normal quiet breathing doesn't involve noticeable extra muscle effort, so it doesn't indicate increased work of breathing. A silent chest with no movement suggests minimal or no air entry rather than active overexertion. Nasal obstruction without dyspnea may block airflow but doesn’t necessarily demonstrate the active muscular effort characteristic of increased work of breathing.