Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is pulmonary edema?

1. Fluid accumulation in the lungs due to cardiac dysfunction

2. A bacterial infection of lung tissue

3. A chronic respiratory condition

4. A type of airway obstruction

The correct answer is: Fluid accumulation in the lungs due to cardiac dysfunction

Pulmonary edema is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which is often a result of cardiac dysfunction, specifically left-sided heart failure. When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, pressure in the pulmonary circulation increases, leading to fluid leaking from the blood vessels into the alveoli, or air sacs, of the lungs. This fluid interferes with the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, making breathing difficult and causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and a feeling of suffocation. The other options describe different medical conditions but do not accurately represent pulmonary edema. For instance, a bacterial infection of lung tissue refers to pneumonia, which involves inflammation and infection rather than fluid accumulation due to heart issues. A chronic respiratory condition could relate to conditions like COPD or asthma, which have their own pathophysiologies distinct from pulmonary edema. Airway obstruction pertains to situations where airflow is hindered, such as choking or severe asthma attacks, which does not involve fluid build-up in the lungs. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the correct answer about pulmonary edema centers on its relationship with cardiac dysfunction.