Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Test with focused study methods including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Practice with hints and detailed explanations to boost your readiness for the exam.

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What is the definitive treatment to reduce acute respiratory distress in a patient with a pleural effusion?

  1. A fluid thoracentesis

  2. A bronchial dilation

  3. An intravenous diuretic

  4. A pulmonary embolism treatment

The correct answer is: A fluid thoracentesis

The definitive treatment to reduce acute respiratory distress caused by a pleural effusion is a fluid thoracentesis. A pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs, which can impair breathing by compressing lung tissue and reducing lung volume. Performing a thoracentesis involves using a needle to remove excess fluid from the pleural cavity, which alleviates the pressure on the lungs and improves respiratory function. This procedure not only provides immediate relief by allowing the lungs to expand more fully but also helps to identify any underlying conditions contributing to the effusion by analyzing the fluid obtained. While other options such as bronchial dilation, intravenous diuretics, and treatments for pulmonary embolism are important in their respective contexts, they do not address the specific issue of excess fluid in the pleural space in the same direct manner as thoracentesis. Therefore, fluid thoracentesis stands out as the most appropriate and effective method for treating respiratory distress directly related to a pleural effusion.