Respiratory Emergencies

Which of the following is MOST characteristic of adequate breathing?

24 breaths/min with bilaterally equal breath sounds and pink skin

More carbon dioxide diffuses out of the bloodstream when: A. fresh oxygen diffuses into the alveoli. B. arterial carbon dioxide levels decrease. C. tidal volume is significantly decreased. D. the pulmonary vasculature is constricted.

A. fresh oxygen diffuses into the alveoli

The MOST significant risk associated with ventilating a patient too rapidly is: A. gastric distention and regurgitation. B. barotrauma and a pneumothorax. C. inadvertent respiratory alkalosis.

A. gastric distention and regurgitation

Which of the following respiratory medications is exclusively indicated for chronic asthma treatment or as asthma prevention? A. Advair B. Atrovent C. Alupent D. Proventil

A. Advair

Approximately 20 minutes after receiving a penicillin injection at the doctor's office, a 41-year-old female presents with acute respiratory distress, facial swelling, and intense itching to her entire body. Her level of consciousness is decreased and her breathing is labored with minimal chest rise. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient should include: A. assisted ventilations, IV of normal saline, and epinephrine. B. oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, IV of normal saline, and albuterol. C. insertion of a King LT airway and a 1,000 mL bolus of normal saline. D. hyperventilation with a bag-mask device and epinephrine via IV push.

A. assisted ventilations, IV of normal saline, and epinephrine

Characteristics of adequate breathing in an adult include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. asymmetrical chest movement. B. pink oral mucous membranes. C. audible breath sounds bilaterally.

A. asymmetrical chest movement

You are transporting a 60-year-old male to the hospital for suspected COPD exacerbation. He is receiving 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. As you reassess him, you note that his respirations have decreased and have become shallow. You should: A. begin assisting his ventilations. B. apply a nasal cannula at 4 L/min. C. remove the oxygen mask and reassess. D. prepare to insert a multilumen airway.

A. begin assisting his ventilations

The movement and utilization of oxygen in the body is dependent on all of the following, EXCEPT: A. effective alveolar-capillary osmosis. B. adequate concentration of inspired oxygen. C. adequate number of functional erythrocytes. D. efficient off-loading of oxygen in the tissues.

A. effective alveolar-capillary osmosis

In contrast to bronchitis, pneumonia typically presents with: A. fever and chills. B. fluid in the lungs. C. a productive cough. D. varying levels of hypoxia.

A. fever and chills

In cases of pulmonary edema, diffusion is impaired primarily because of: A. fluid-filled alveoli. B. widespread atelectasis. C. decreased cardiac contractility. D. severe pulmonary vasoconstriction.

A. fluid-filled alveoli

When assessing the severity of nocturnal dyspnea in a patient with a chronic respiratory disease, you should determine: A. how many pillows he or she sleeps with at night. B. how far he or she can walk before dyspnea occurs. C. if he or she uses a beta2 agonist at least twice per day.

A. how many pillows he or she sleeps with at night

Typical signs and symptoms of pneumonia include: A. pleuritic chest pain, fever, and rhonchi. B. dry cough, high fever, and labored breathing. C. weakness, crushing chest pain, and wheezing.

A. pleuritic chest pain, fever, and rhonchi

A 67-year-old male who smokes three packs of cigarettes per day complains of a productive cough, chills, and generalized weakness. He is in mild respiratory distress; auscultation of his lungs reveals rhonchi to the lower left lobe. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: A. pneumonia. B. bronchitis. C. heart failure.

A. pneumonia

Common side effects of inhaled medications used for acute shortness of breath include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. sedation. B. tachycardia. C. nervousness. D. muscle tremors.

A. sedation

Emphysema, a degenerative disease, is caused by: A. surfactant destruction and increased alveolar surface tension. B. excessive mucous production by beta2 cells in the bronchi. C. widespread constriction of the bronchioles and air trapping. D. decreased alveolar surface tension caused by excess surfactant.

A. surfactant destruction and increased alveolar surface tension

Patients with COPD are highly susceptible to pneumonia because: A. they cannot effectively expel infected pulmonary secretions. C. their age predisposes them to COPD-related lung infections B. their immune system is inherently weakened by the disease. . D. their hyperactive cough reflex leads to alveolar destruction.

A. they cannot effectively expel infected pulmonary secretions

Cardiac asthma is a condition in which a patient: A. with congestive heart failure experiences wheezing due to constricted bronchi. B. develops acute respiratory distress when fluid suddenly accumulates in the lungs. C. inadvertently takes too much of his or her beta-blocker, resulting in bronchospasm.

A. with congestive heart failure experiences wheezing due to constricted bronchi

Which of the following statements regarding anaphylaxis is correct?

Anaphylaxis is characterized by airway swelling and hypotension.

You are dispatched to a residence for a 69-year-old female with "breathing problems." When you arrive, the patient's husband directs you to his wife, who is sitting on the couch in obvious respiratory distress. She is semiconscious and has labored, shallow respirations. You auscultate her lungs and hear diffuse rhonchi in all lung fields. Which of the following interventions would be of LEAST benefit to her? A. Assisted ventilations with a bag-mask device B. IV therapy with up to a 500 mL normal saline bolus C. Suction of her airway for up to 15 seconds if needed D. Prompt transport and consideration of a paramedic intercept

B. IV therapy with up to a 500 mL normal saline bolus

All of the following are commonly prescribed medications for patients with a respiratory disease, EXCEPT: A. Intal. B. Inderal. C. Singulair. D. Beclovent.

B. Inderal

Which of the following is generally NOT indicated when treating a patient with a tension pneumothorax? A. Paramedic support B. Medication therapy C. Intravenous therapy D. Ventilatory assistance

B. Medication therapy

A 70-year-old male presents with an acute onset of difficulty breathing that woke him from his sleep. He has a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and several heart attacks. During your assessment, you note dried blood around his mouth. The patient tells you that he cannot lie down because he will "smother." What additional assessment findings will you MOST likely discover? A. Diffuse wheezing B. Pulmonary rales C. Fever and chills D. Slow respiratory rate

B. Pulmonary rales

Which of the following clinical findings is MOST consistent with inadequate breathing? A. Symmetrical chest movement and warm, dry skin B. Respirations of 16 breaths/min and reduced tidal volume C. Increased amount of expired air at the nose and mouth D. Regular breathing pattern and respirations of 24 breaths/min

B. Respirations of 16 breaths/min and reduced tidal volume

Which of the following statements MOST accurately describes asthma? A. Irreversible airway disease that presents with inspiratory wheezing B. Reversible airway disease caused by an exaggerated immune response C. Irreversible airway disease that results in increased alveolar surface tension D. Chronic respiratory disease caused by long-term exposure to toxic substances

B. Reversible airway disease caused by an exaggerated immune response

When assessing a patient with difficulty breathing, which of the following findings would lead you to suspect congestive heart failure as the underlying cause? A. The patient is a long-term smoker and takes corticosteroid medications on a daily basis. B. The onset of the difficulty breathing was acute and the patient takes prescribed diuretics. C. The patient is coughing up thick green sputum and has prescriptions for Atrovent and Advair. D. The patient is receiving home oxygen therapy, has pink skin, and is breathing through pursed lips.

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

When assessing a patient using a pulse oximeter, it is important to remember that: A. an oxygen saturation of greater than 90% rules out hypoxemia. B. abnormally bound hemoglobin may produce inaccurate readings. C. pulse oximetry will determine whether or not to administer oxygen. D. the pulse oximeter provides an accurate reading of the patient's PaO2.

B. abnormally bound hemoglobin may produce inaccurate readings

When treating a patient who complains of dyspnea, it is important for the AEMT to: A. closely monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm. B. be prepared to treat the patient's anxiety as well. C. give oxygen via nasal cannula to minimize anxiety. D. routinely request that a paramedic unit respond to the scene.

B. be prepared to treat the patient's anxiety as well

You are assessing a young male with an acute onset of tachypnea. He is conscious and alert with shallow respirations of 40 breaths/min, and complains of numbness and tingling to his face and hands. The patient's girlfriend tells you that he has been very worried about his mother, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Appropriate treatment for this patient includes: A. a nonrebreathing mask without oxygen. B. coached breathing and oxygen as needed. C. carbon dioxide rebreathing with a paper bag. D. a beta2 agonist if authorized by medical control.

B. coached breathing and oxygen as needed

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that results in: A. spontaneous collapsing of one or both lungs. B. excess sodium loss and thick pulmonary secretions. C. acute pulmonary edema and diffuse bronchospasm. D. profound dehydration and a fever greater than 102°F.

B. excess sodium loss and thick pulmonary secretions

When assisting a patient with his or her prescribed inhaler, it is important to: A. ensure that the medication is slightly below room temperature. B. have the patient exhale deeply prior to inhaling the medication. C. instruct the patient to hold his or her breath for 20 to 30 seconds. D. avoid a spacer device, as this decreases the medication's efficacy.

B. have the patient exhale deeply prior to inhaling the medication

A 30-year-old male presents with respiratory distress that began within minutes of being exposed to an unknown chemical at an industrial site. When caring for this patient, it is MOST important to remember that: A. he will likely require frequent suctioning. B. he must be properly decontaminated first. C. aggressive airway management may be needed. D. inhalation injuries can cause aspiration pneumonia.

B. he must be properly decontaminated first

A 59-year-old female with a history of poorly controlled hypertension becomes acutely dyspneic, develops profound cyanosis to the upper chest, and becomes unresponsive. She is pulseless and apneic upon your arrival. As you and your partner are performing the appropriate treatment interventions, you discuss the possible cause of her condition, which is MOST likely a(n): A. acute myocardial infarction. B. massive pulmonary embolism. C. large tension pneumothorax. D. massive atraumatic hemothorax.

B. massive pulmonary embolism

You are dispatched for an elderly male with dyspnea. When you arrive, you find the patient sitting in a chair. He is semiconscious and unable to effectively communicate with you. As you perform a primary assessment, your partner applies 100% oxygen and a pulse oximeter, which reads 85%. The MOST reliable indicator of cerebral hypoxia in this patient is his: A. complaint of dyspnea. B. mental status alteration. C. inability to communicate. D. decreased oxygen saturation.

B. mental status alteration

When assessing a female patient with chest pain and shortness of breath, you note that her blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg, her heart rate is 120 beats/min, and she has cyanosis around her mouth. In addition to supporting her ventilations, you should: A. perform a secondary assessment. B. prepare for immediate transport. C. give her a bronchodilator drug.

B. prepare for immediate transport

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, at the cellular level or in the lungs, is called: A. breathing. B. respiration. C. ventilation, D. oxygenation.

B. respiration

An anaphylactic reaction impairs effective breathing secondary to: A. catecholamine release. B. upper-airway swelling. C. diffuse alveolar collapse. D. excess fluid in the alveoli.

B. upper-airway swelling

Which of the following processes occurs during normal inspiration? A. An increase in intrathoracic pressure forces air into the lungs B. The phrenic nerves stimulate the intercostal muscles to contract C. Air is pulled into the lungs when intrathoracic pressure decreases D. The diaphragm contract and ascends, increasing the chest diameter

C. Air is pulled into the lungs when intrathoracic pressure decreases

You are dispatched to the home of a 64-year-old male patient with lung cancer. The patient complains of acute dyspnea; however, as long as he is sitting upright, his breathing is easier. He denies fever and his breath sounds are decreased over the base of the left lung. What is the MOST likely cause of this patient's symptoms? A. Localized bronchospasm in the lungs B. Consolidation of fluid within the lung C. Collection of fluid outside of the lung D. Air in the pleural space with lung collapse

C. Collection of fluid outside of the lung

Which of the following physiologic processes does NOT occur in patients with COPD? A. Diffuse alveolar collapse B. Intrapulmonary air trapping C. Increased surfactant production D. Mucous production from beta2 cells

C. Increased surfactant production

Definitive treatment to reduce acute respiratory distress in a patient with a pleural effusion involves: A. endotracheal intubation. B. needle decompression. C. a fluid thoracentesis. D. antibiotic therapy.

C. a fluid thoracentesis

You are assessing a 52-year-old male with respiratory distress. The MOST ominous sign(s) of severe hypoxemia and imminent cardiac arrest is/are: A. minimal-word dyspnea and pallor. B. audible stridor and facial cyanosis. C. a marked decrease in the heart rate. D. a marked increase in the heart rate.

C. a marked decrease in the heart rate

Approximately 2 weeks following a total hip replacement, a 70-year-old female complains of a sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. Your assessment reveals perioral cyanosis, blood-tinged sputum, and wheezing to the base of her right lung. As your partner applies high-flow oxygen, the patient states that she has a history of hypertension. You should be MOST suspicious of: A. an acute asthma attack. B. acute left heart failure. C. a pulmonary embolism.

C. a pulmonary embolism

Acute epiglottitis in the adult is characterized by: A. a productive cough. B. a low-grade fever. C. a severe sore throat. D. a seal-bark cough.

C. a severe sore throat

A 20-year-old female presents with acute respiratory distress. Auscultation of her lungs reveals diffuse expiratory wheezing. She is in moderate distress and tells you that she has a prescribed inhaler that she uses when this happens. You should suspect: A. status asthmaticus. B. bronchitis exacerbation. C. an acute asthma attack. D. bacterial pneumonia.

C. an acute asthma attack

Chronic carbon dioxide retention, as seen in patients with certain lung diseases, may cause the patient to: A. develop extended periods of hypocarbia. B. experience acute tidal volume increases. C. breathe on the basis of decreased oxygen. D. develop tachypnea if given 100% oxygen.

C. breathe on the basis of decreased oxygen

Patients with emphysema are commonly referred to as "pink puffers" because they: A. develop polycythemia and often grunt during exhalation. B. grunt when they breathe and maintain high arterial O2 levels. C. breathe through pursed lips and may develop polycythemia.

C. breathe through pursed lips and may develop polycythemia

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of: A. pertussis and the flu. B. MRSA and whooping cough. C. bronchiolitis and pneumonia. D. asthma and chronic bronchitis.

C. bronchiolitis and pneumonia

A 60-year-old male presents with shortness of breath and a productive cough of two days' duration. He denies chest pain or any other associated symptoms. Auscultation of his lungs reveals scattered bilateral rhonchi in all fields. His skin is pink, warm, and dry and the pulse oximeter reads 94% on room air. This patient is MOST likely experiencing: A. acute asthma. B. emphysema. C. bronchitis. D. pneumonia.

C. bronchitis

A 56-year-old male complains of difficulty breathing. His wife tells you that he complained of chest discomfort a few days prior, but would not allow her to call EMS. Your assessment reveals rales in the apices and bases of both lungs. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: A. chronic bronchitis. B. acute pulmonary embolism. C. cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

C. cardiogenic pulmonary edema

A 61-year-old female called EMS after suddenly being awakened in the middle of the night with a feeling that she was "smothering." You arrive to find the patient, very apprehensive and restless, sitting on the living room couch in obvious respiratory distress. Her BP is 160/90 mm Hg, pulse is 110 beats/min and irregular, and respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. Auscultation of her lungs reveals diffuse rhonchi in all fields. Treatment for this patient should include: A. oxygen at 4 to 6 L/min via nasal cannula and up to 3 nebulizer treatments. B. oropharyngeal suctioning and assisted ventilation with a bag-mask device. C. continuous positive airway pressure and an IV line set to keep the vein open. D. an IV line with a 250 mL normal saline bolus and oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

C. continuous positive airway pressure and an IV line set to keep the vein open

The two processes that occur during respiration are: A. diffusion and perfusion. B. ventilation and diffusion. C. inspiration and expiration. D. oxygenation and ventilation.

C. inspiration and expiration

Cardiomyopathy may lead to pulmonary edema due to: A. acute injury to the myocardium. B. a profound decrease in heart rate. C. reduced contractile force of the heart. D. weakening of the right side of the heart.

C. reduced contractile force of the heart

A 77-year-old male with a history of emphysema complains of an acute worsening of his shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain that occurred after a forceful cough. Auscultation of his lungs reveals scattered wheezing on the left side and diminished breath sounds on the right. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: A. acute pulmonary edema. B. exacerbated emphysema. C. spontaneous pneumothorax.

C. spontaneous pneumothorax

The process of moving air into and out of the lungs is called: A. breathing. B. respiration. C. ventilation. D. oxygenation.

C. ventilation

Which of the following physiologic processes occurs during pulmonary respiration? A. Oxygen moves into the systemic cells. B. Oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. C. Carbon dioxide moves into the capillaries. D. Carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli.

D. Carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli

Which of the following is the MOST accurate clinical definition of chronic bronchitis? A. Nonproductive cough for 4 months per year for 1 year B. Productive cough for 2 months per year for 2 consecutive years C. Nonproductive cough for 2 months per year for 3 consecutive years D. Productive cough for 3 months per year for 3 consecutive years

D. Productive cough for 3 months per year for 3 consecutive years

What acid-base derangement initially occurs in a tachypneic patient without a physiologic demand for increased oxygen? A. Metabolic acidosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis

D. Respiratory alkalosis

The Hering-Breuer reflex is defined as: A. an increase in respiratory rate and depth secondary to decreased levels of oxygen in the blood. B. a feedback loop that sends signals to the apneustic center, resulting in increased tidal volume. C. a decrease in respiratory rate and depth secondary to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. D. a feedback loop that inhibits the inspiratory center, which prevents overexpansion of the lungs.

D. a feedback loop that inhibits the inspiratory center, which prevents overexpansion of the lungs

You are treating a 2-year-old boy who is experiencing respiratory distress. During your assessment, you note that the child has mild inspiratory stridor, a barking cough, and a low-grade fever. The child is otherwise conscious, is acting appropriate for his age, and has strong radial pulses. Treatment should include: A. an IV fluid bolus. B. a beta antagonist. C. assisted ventilation. D. humidified oxygen.

D. humidified oxygen

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by: A. irregular tachypnea with occasional periods of apnea. B. impaired respirations with sustained inspiratory effort. C. tachypnea and hyperpnea with an acetone breath odor. D. tachypnea and bradypnea with alternating apneic periods.

D. tachypnea and bradypnea with alternating apneic periods

Which of the following statements regarding pulse oximetry is correct?

Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, but does not measure the actual hemoglobin content of the blood.

Which of the following statements regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is correct?

SARS is a viral infection that often begins with flulike symptoms.

Harsh, high-pitched inspiratory sounds are characteristic of:

Stridor

Which of the following statements regarding the hypoxic drive is MOST correct?

The hypoxic drive stimulates a person to breathe on the basis of low oxygen levels.

Hyperventilation could be associated with all of the following, EXCEPT:

a narcotic overdose.

When auscultating the lungs of a patient with respiratory distress, you hear adventitious sounds. This means that the patient has:

abnormal breath sounds.

You are dispatched to a residence for a 67-year-old female who was awakened by shortness of breath and sharp chest pain. Her husband tells you that she was recently discharged from the hospital after having hip surgery. Your assessment reveals dried blood around her mouth, facial cyanosis, and an oxygen saturation of 88%. This patient's presentation is MOST consistent with:

acute pulmonary embolism.

An alert patient presents with a regular pattern of inhalation and exhalation and breath sounds that are clear and equal on both sides of the chest. These findings are consistent with:

adequate air exchange.

When administering supplemental oxygen to a hypoxemic patient with a chronic lung disease, you should:

adjust the flow rate accordingly until you see symptom improvement, but be prepared to assist his or her ventilations.

In what area of the lungs does respiration occur?

alveoli

A 62-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure presents with severe respiratory distress and an oxygen saturation of 82%. When you auscultate his lungs, you hear widespread rales. He is conscious and alert, is able to follow simple commands, and can only speak in two- to three-word sentences at a time. With all resources at your disposal, which of the following treatment plans will benifit the patient the MOST:

apply a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, monitor his blood pressure, and observe him for signs of improvement or deterioration.

A 62-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure presents with severe respiratory distress and an oxygen saturation of 82%. When you auscultate his lungs, you hear widespread rales. He is conscious and alert, is able to follow simple commands, and can only speak in two- to three-word sentences at a time. You should: Select one:

apply a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, monitor his blood pressure, and observe him for signs of improvement or deterioration.

While auscultating an elderly woman's breath sounds, you hear low-pitched "rattling" sounds at the bases of both of her lungs. With which of the following conditions is this finding MOST consistent?

aspiration pneumonia

While auscultating an elderly woman's breath sounds, you hear low-pitched "rattling" sounds at the bases of both of her lungs. With which of the following conditions is this finding MOST consistent?

aspiration pneumonia

You receive a call for a 70-year-old female with respiratory distress. Her husband tells you that she has congestive heart failure; however, he does not think that she has been taking her medications as prescribed. The patient is laboring to breathe, appears tired, and has cyanosis around her lips. You should:

assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.

Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that occurs when

blood acidity is reduced by excessive breathing.

The respiratory distress that accompanies emphysema is caused by:

chronic stretching of the alveolar walls.

According to the chart on page 479 of the EMT-Basic textbook, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), rales, and dependent edema are clinical indicators of:

congestive heart failure.

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), rales, and dependent edema are clinical indicators of:

congestive heart failure.

A young female is unconscious after intentionally ingesting a large amount of aspirin. You will MOST likely find her respirations:

deep and rapid.

A 30-year-old male presents with acute shortness of breath, widespread hives, and facial swelling. He denies any past medical history and takes no medications. During your assessment, you hear wheezing over all lung fields. His blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg and his heart rate is 110 beats/min. In addition to giving him 100% oxygen, the MOST important treatment for this patient is:

epinephrine

A 30-year-old male presents with acute shortness of breath, widespread hives, facial swelling, and a red rash on his neck and chest. He denies any past medical history and takes no medications. During your assessment, you hear wheezing over all lung fields. His blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg and his heart rate is 110 beats/min. According to the NM EMT-Basic Scope of Practice and in addition to giving him 100% oxygen, the MOST important medication for this patient is:

epinephrine.

At the onset of an acute asthma attack, patients commonly experience difficulty breathing and:

expiratory wheezing.

In a healthy individual, the brain stem stimulates breathing on the basis of:

increased carbon dioxide levels.

You are dispatched to an apartment complex where a 21-year-old female has apparently overdosed on several narcotic medications. She is semiconscious and has slow, shallow respirations. You should:

insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation.

The two processes that occur during respiration are:

inspiration and expiration.

You are assisting an asthma patient with his prescribed metered-dose inhaler. After the patient takes a deep breath and depresses the inhaler, you should:

instruct him to hold his breath for as long as he comfortably can.

In order for efficient pulmonary gas exchange to occur:

oxygen and carbon dioxide must be able to freely diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

A 60-year-old male presents with acute respiratory distress. He is conscious and alert, has pink and dry skin, and has respirations of 24 breaths/min with adequate depth. Which of the following treatment modalities is MOST appropriate for this patient?

oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and a focused secondary assessment

A 22-year-old female patient is complaining of dyspnea and numbness and tingling in her hands and feet after an argument with her fiancé. Her respirations are 40 breaths/min. You should:

provide reassurance and give oxygen as needed.

When the level of arterial carbon dioxide rises above normal:

respirations increase in rate and depth.

Which of the following conditions would LEAST likely result in hypoxia (low oxygen levlel in the blood)?

severe anxiety

Which of the following conditions would LEAST likely result in hypoxia?

severe anxiety

Dyspnea is MOST accurately defined as:

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

A 59-year-old male with a history of emphysema complains of an acute worsening of his dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain following a forceful cough. Your assessment reveals that he has a barrel-shaped chest, unilaterally diminished breath sounds, and tachycardia. What is the MOST likely cause of this patient's condition?

spontaneous pneumothorax

When assessing for fluid collection in the lungs during auscultation of lung sounds, you should:

start at the lower lung fields and determine at which level you start hearing clear breath sounds.

Common signs and symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include

tachypnea and tingling in the extremities.

Common signs and symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include:

tachypnea and tingling in the extremities.

Of the following choices, the onset of acute pulmonary edema would MOST likely develop as the result of:

toxic chemical inhalation.