NCLEX Practice Test

Which is a common symptom of air hunger in terminally ill clients?

1. Anxiety

2. Exhaustion

3. Increased respiratory effort

4. Dyspnea

The correct answer is: Anxiety

Air hunger, often experienced by terminally ill clients, manifests prominently as a sensation of suffocation or a strong need to breathe. While anxiety can accompany air hunger, the most direct symptom indicating this sensation is dyspnea. This is characterized by the difficulty or discomfort in breathing, which reflects the underlying issue of air hunger itself. In terminally ill patients, dyspnea not only signifies a physical struggle to take in enough oxygen but also can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and lead to exhaustion. However, dyspnea specifically captures the essence of air hunger, as it is the physiological experience of breathlessness that clients often report. Recognizing dyspnea is crucial in managing symptoms and providing appropriate care for those facing the end of life, helping healthcare providers to address both comfort and emotional support effectively.