1
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Shortness of Breath
Student’s Name
Institution
, 2
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Medical Diagnosis
The cause of the breathing problem can be determined by asking some questions that will
reveal the medical history of the patient. The condition can also be diagnosed by performing a
physical examination. The doctor may perform some tests so as to determine the cause of the
shortness of breath. A chest x-ray may be performed to study the condition of the patient’s chest.
The doctor may also perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) on the patient that creates an image
that shows the electrical signals of the patient’s heart. A computerized tomography (CT) scan
may also be performed to the patient to evaluate the condition of the heart and the lungs. (ATI
Nursing Education, 2013). A measure of the patient’s breathing may also be done so as to
determine the breathing rate. Blood tests are also carried out to determine the oxygen level in the
patient’s blood.
Risks Factor associated with medical diagnosis
The risk factors for shortness of breath are related to the conditions and diseases that may
cause shortness of breath. The clinical risk factors include chronic asthma, Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
and coronary artery disease (CAD). People that are exposed consistently to toxins such as the
smoke from tobacco and other industrial toxins may also suffer from shortness of breath. People
suffering from anemia, panic and anxiety disorders, obesity and inactive lifestyles are at a higher
risk of developing shortness of breath.
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Shortness of Breath
Student’s Name
Institution
, 2
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Medical Diagnosis
The cause of the breathing problem can be determined by asking some questions that will
reveal the medical history of the patient. The condition can also be diagnosed by performing a
physical examination. The doctor may perform some tests so as to determine the cause of the
shortness of breath. A chest x-ray may be performed to study the condition of the patient’s chest.
The doctor may also perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) on the patient that creates an image
that shows the electrical signals of the patient’s heart. A computerized tomography (CT) scan
may also be performed to the patient to evaluate the condition of the heart and the lungs. (ATI
Nursing Education, 2013). A measure of the patient’s breathing may also be done so as to
determine the breathing rate. Blood tests are also carried out to determine the oxygen level in the
patient’s blood.
Risks Factor associated with medical diagnosis
The risk factors for shortness of breath are related to the conditions and diseases that may
cause shortness of breath. The clinical risk factors include chronic asthma, Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
and coronary artery disease (CAD). People that are exposed consistently to toxins such as the
smoke from tobacco and other industrial toxins may also suffer from shortness of breath. People
suffering from anemia, panic and anxiety disorders, obesity and inactive lifestyles are at a higher
risk of developing shortness of breath.
