Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What primary symptom often leads to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism?

1. Fever

2. Sudden unexplained dyspnea

3. Coughing up blood

4. Swelling in the legs

The correct answer is: Sudden unexplained dyspnea

The primary symptom that often leads to the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is sudden unexplained dyspnea, which refers to sudden shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing that occurs without an obvious cause. This symptom is significant because pulmonary embolism results from a blockage in one or more arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that originate from the veins deep in the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). When a clot travels to the lungs, it can obstruct blood flow and lead to inadequate oxygen exchange, causing the patient to experience sudden respiratory distress. While other symptoms, such as coughing up blood or swelling in the legs, can be associated with pulmonary embolism, they are not as universally recognized or as indicative of the condition as dyspnea. Fever, on the other hand, is not a typical symptom of pulmonary embolism and is more commonly associated with infections. Sudden unexplained dyspnea stands out due to its acute onset and strong association with respiratory compromise in the context of a possible pulmonary embolism, making it a key symptom to recognize in clinical assessment.