Which term describes accessory muscle use during breathing in distress?

• A. Bradypnea
• B. Apnea
• C. Accessory muscle use
• D. Tachypnea

Answer: (C)

In respiratory distress, the body often recruits muscles beyond the usual diaphragmatic effort to help move air—this is called accessory muscle use. It signals that breathing work is increased and the patient is struggling to ventilate. The other terms describe breathing rate or presence/absence of breathing (slow breathing, no breathing, or rapid breathing) rather than the use of extra muscles, so they don’t capture the phenomenon described. Accessory muscle use, with visible neck and chest muscles engaging, is the term that best fits the scenario.