Veterinary Assistant Practice Exam 2025 - Free Veterinary Assistant Practice Questions and Study Guide

Tachypnea refers to an elevated respiratory rate, which is characterized by rapid breathing. When an animal exhibits tachypnea, it is typically a sign that the body is responding to conditions that require increased oxygen intake or improved gas exchange. Rapid breathing can occur due to various factors, including stress, pain, fever, or respiratory diseases.

Understanding the definition of tachypnea is essential in veterinary practice, as it helps in recognizing potential underlying health issues in animals. Identifying rapid breathing is crucial for timely intervention and management of the animal's health.

Other choices, while they may reflect various breathing patterns or issues, do not specifically denote tachypnea. Decreased heart rate does not correlate with an increased respiratory rate, coughing fits are distinct symptoms that may indicate respiratory irritation but do not define the respiratory rate, and labored breathing is characterized by difficulty in breathing rather than an increased rate of breaths. Thus, recognizing rapid breathing is key to identifying tachypnea effectively.