Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What finding would suggest congestive heart failure in a patient with difficulty breathing?

1. The onset of difficulty breathing was gradual and the patient is not on medication

2. The onset of difficulty breathing was acute and the patient takes prescribed diuretics

3. The patient has a history of asthma

4. The patient has a chronic cough

The correct answer is: The onset of difficulty breathing was acute and the patient takes prescribed diuretics

The presence of prescribed diuretics in a patient experiencing difficulty breathing can significantly suggest congestive heart failure. Diuretics are commonly prescribed to patients with heart failure to help control fluid overload, which can occur when the heart is unable to pump effectively. This fluid overload can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, especially when lying down, and feelings of breathlessness due to pulmonary congestion. In the context of acute onset difficulty breathing, along with the use of diuretics, it indicates that the patient may already have a history of heart failure or is experiencing a worsening of their condition. It showcases the potential for fluid accumulation in the lungs, characteristic of congestive heart failure, thus making this response indicative of a serious water retention problem related to cardiac function. Other choices may provide some context regarding breathing difficulties but do not point clearly to congestive heart failure. A gradual onset without medications does not indicate the acute nature often seen in heart failure exacerbations. A history of asthma, while relevant, is more associated with reactive airway diseases rather than heart dysfunction. A chronic cough could result from various conditions, including respiratory illnesses, with less direct correlation to heart failure.