Which of the following is a sign of ineffective breathing?

Ineffective breathing can be characterized by a person's struggle to breathe, which is aptly described as "fighting for air." This indicates that the individual is experiencing substantial respiratory distress, which may stem from various underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or an acute respiratory event. Such distress is often manifested by physical signs such as increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, and a feeling of air hunger.

The other choices, like deep breathing, calm breathing, and steady breathing, reflect more normal or effective respiratory patterns. Deep breathing usually indicates an adequate air exchange, calm breathing suggests a relaxed state with effective ventilation, and steady breathing denotes a consistent respiratory rate without signs of distress. Therefore, the presence of phrases indicating struggle, such as "fighting for air," signals potential life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention, aligning with the definition of ineffective breathing.