Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam 2026 - Free Patient Care Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct term that describes difficulty breathing is "dyspnea." This term is commonly used in medical contexts to refer to the sensation of shortness of breath or feeling of uncomfortable breathing. Dyspnea can arise from a variety of causes, including respiratory conditions, heart problems, or anxiety.

Understanding the other terms can help clarify why they are not applicable in this context. "Apnea" refers specifically to a temporary cessation of breathing, often noted during sleep, and does not imply difficulty but rather a complete stop. "Tachypnea" describes rapid, shallow breathing, which may or may not be associated with difficulty, but is more focused on the rate of respiration rather than the quality of the breath. "Hypoxia" indicates a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, which may lead to difficulties in breathing but does not directly define the sensation of breathlessness itself. Therefore, "dyspnea" is the most accurate term to use when discussing difficulty breathing.