Dyspnea and fatigue.

Research regarding dyspnea and fatigue has focused on the factors contributing to the symptoms. Physiologic factors, such as muscle use; psychological factors, such as anxiety and depression; and situational factors, such as hot weather, contribute to the symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue. Increased symptoms lead to impaired functional ability. Strategies for relief of dyspnea and fatigue can be obtained from patient report, but further research is needed to test the effectiveness of nursing interventions.