Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Emergency Medical Technician Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Engage with multiple-choice questions that offer hints and detailed explanations to ensure you grasp key concepts effectively.

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What are common signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure?

Visual disturbances and hearing loss
Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss and hair loss
Crackles, rales, rhonchi in the airway and altered mental status

The correct answer is: Crackles, rales, rhonchi in the airway and altered mental status

The correct response highlights signs that are commonly associated with congestive heart failure (CHF). Patients with CHF often exhibit respiratory symptoms such as crackles, rales, and rhonchi due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. These abnormal lung sounds occur because the heart's inability to pump effectively can lead to congestion in the pulmonary circulation. Additionally, altered mental status can result from decreased oxygenation to the brain or from fluid overload causing electrolyte imbalances. The other choices do not align with the typical clinical presentation of congestive heart failure. Visual disturbances and hearing loss are more related to neurological or optical conditions. Severe abdominal pain and diarrhea suggest gastrointestinal issues rather than cardiac problems. Unexplained weight loss and hair loss may be indicative of other medical conditions but are not typical manifestations of CHF.