Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common symptom of cystic fibrosis?

1. Persistent cough with thick mucus

2. Intermittent fever

3. Rapid weight gain

4. Chest tightness

The correct answer is: Persistent cough with thick mucus

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. A common symptom of this condition is a persistent cough that produces thick, sticky mucus. This occurs because cystic fibrosis leads to the production of abnormally thick mucus that can obstruct the airways, making it difficult to breathe and facilitating respiratory infections. The thick mucus traps bacteria and other pathogens, resulting in chronic lung infections and inflammation. The other options do not align with the typical symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis. Intermittent fever may occur due to infections but is not a hallmark symptom of this disease. Rapid weight gain is often not an indicator of cystic fibrosis; in fact, many individuals with cystic fibrosis struggle with maintaining a healthy weight due to malabsorption issues tied to pancreatic dysfunction. Chest tightness can occur in various respiratory conditions but is not specific to cystic fibrosis and might not be a consistent or defining symptom of the condition. Therefore, the persistent cough with thick mucus is the most characteristic and common symptom of cystic fibrosis.