Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Which symptom is commonly associated with Muscular Dystrophy?

1. Difficulty concentrating

2. Breathing difficulties

3. Chronic fatigue

4. Vision problems

The correct answer is: Breathing difficulties

Breathing difficulties are commonly associated with Muscular Dystrophy because the disease progressively weakens the muscles, including those that control breathing. As the muscles that support respiration weaken, individuals may experience reduced lung capacity, leading to issues such as shortness of breath and respiratory infections. This symptom is particularly prevalent in the later stages of Muscular Dystrophy, reinforcing the importance of respiratory support and monitoring in affected individuals. In contrast, the other symptoms listed, such as difficulty concentrating, chronic fatigue, and vision problems, are not primary indicators of Muscular Dystrophy. While individuals might experience these issues due to secondary effects of the disease—such as fatigue from limited mobility or potential cognitive impacts from chronic illness—they are not direct symptoms typically associated with Muscular Dystrophy itself.