Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Basic Certification Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

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What symptom would you expect in a patient experiencing right-sided heart failure?

Shortness of breath
Peripheral edema
Fatigue
Nausea

The correct answer is: Peripheral edema

In right-sided heart failure, one of the hallmark symptoms is peripheral edema. This occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues as the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. When the right ventricle fails to pump blood efficiently, it can lead to increased pressure in the venous system, causing fluid to leak into the interstitial spaces. This fluid buildup often presents as swelling in the lower extremities, such as the legs and feet, which is a key indicator of right-sided heart failure. While shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea may also be symptoms associated with heart issues, they are not specific to right-sided heart failure alone. Shortness of breath is more commonly linked to left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the lungs. Fatigue could be a general symptom of heart disease and not solely indicative of right-sided failure. Nausea is less common and often relates to other conditions or heart problems but does not serve as a primary symptom of right-sided heart failure. Thus, peripheral edema stands out as the most significant and direct symptom to expect in this condition.