Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What condition should you be most suspicious of in a woman with sudden dyspnea and blood-tinged sputum after a hip replacement?

1. A deep vein thrombosis

2. A pulmonary embolism

3. An asthmatic attack

4. Cardiac arrhythmia

The correct answer is: A pulmonary embolism

In a scenario where a woman presents with sudden dyspnea and blood-tinged sputum following a hip replacement, suspicion for a pulmonary embolism is warranted. This condition commonly occurs after surgeries, especially orthopedic procedures, due to prolonged immobility and increased risk of venous thromboembolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot, often originating from a deep vein thrombosis in the legs or pelvis, dislodges and travels to the pulmonary arteries, obstructing blood flow. This can lead to sudden onset of respiratory distress, which aligns with the woman's acute dyspnea. The presence of blood-tinged sputum can indicate that there is damage to the pulmonary vasculature as a result of the embolism, contributing to the blood appearing in the sputum. Understanding the context of postoperative complications is crucial, as well as recognizing symptoms specific to pulmonary embolism, helps differentiate it from other respiratory conditions. Asthmatic attacks and cardiac arrhythmias typically do not present with blood-tinged sputum, and while a deep vein thrombosis may be involved directly, it’s the complication of a pulmonary embolism that presents the immediate life-threatening risk in this case.