Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What are three common symptoms present in a pulmonary embolism?

1. Chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea

2. Fever, cough, chills

3. Nausea, headaches, dizziness

4. Hemoptysis, pallor, fatigue

The correct answer is: Chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea

The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism primarily stem from the obstruction of blood flow to the lungs, causing significant respiratory and cardiovascular responses. Chest pain is often described as sharp or stabbing and may worsen with breathing (pleuritic pain). Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a hallmark symptom that can occur suddenly, reflecting the impaired oxygenation of blood. Tachypnea, characterized by rapid breathing, is a compensatory mechanism in response to the reduced oxygen levels and can be an immediate reaction to acute respiratory distress. These symptoms are critical indicators of a pulmonary embolism, as they reflect the direct effects of a blockage in the pulmonary arteries. In contrast, the other options listed comprise symptoms that are either not specific to pulmonary embolism or arise from entirely different conditions. While fever, cough, and chills can indicate infection or inflammation, they are not core symptoms of pulmonary embolism. Nausea, headaches, and dizziness may occur due to various underlying issues but are nonspecific in relation to a pulmonary embolism. Lastly, hemoptysis, pallor, and fatigue can be associated but are less common or not as definitive as the symptoms listed in the first option. Thus, understanding the context and nature of the symptoms helps clarify why