Which is a characteristic of muscle weakness?

• A. Normal breathing
• B. Seesaw breathing
• C. Stridor
• D. Wheeze

Answer: (B)

Muscle weakness that affects breathing often shows up as respiratory muscle fatigue with paradoxical, or seesaw, breathing. When the inspiratory muscles tire, the chest wall moves inward while the abdomen rises during inspiration, creating a seesaw pattern. This indicates the patient isn’t able to generate a strong inspiratory effort and is at risk of impending respiratory failure. Normal breathing suggests adequate respiratory muscle strength, while stridor points to upper airway obstruction and wheeze to airway narrowing or bronchospasm, not primarily to muscle weakness.