Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of a hemothorax?

1. Increased lung expansion

2. Trapped air leading to a painful sensation

3. Reduced lung expansion due to blood pooling

4. Pressure relief and improved oxygenation

The correct answer is: Reduced lung expansion due to blood pooling

A hemothorax occurs when blood accumulates in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall, typically as a result of trauma or injury. This accumulation of blood can exert pressure on the lungs, which leads to a decrease in lung expansion. As the blood fills the pleural cavity, it limits the ability of the lungs to fully expand during inhalation, resulting in reduced ventilation and oxygen exchange. This can ultimately lead to respiratory distress and decreased oxygenation of the blood. In contrast, increased lung expansion is not possible due to the presence of fluid in the pleural space, nor does a hemothorax create an environment for trapped air as a painful sensation would indicate. Additionally, pressure relief and improved oxygenation are outcomes that could occur with effective treatment, such as thoracentesis or chest tube placement, but these are not inherent consequences of a hemothorax itself. Thus, the potential consequence of reduced lung expansion due to blood pooling is a direct effect of the condition.