Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the most likely cause of acute dyspnea in a patient with lung cancer who experiences relief when sitting upright?

1. Pneumonia

2. Collection of fluid outside of the lung

3. Infection

4. Bronchospasm

The correct answer is: Collection of fluid outside of the lung

Acute dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, in a patient with lung cancer can often be associated with various underlying issues. In this scenario, the relief experienced by the patient when sitting upright strongly indicates the presence of fluid buildup, commonly known as pleural effusion. When fluid accumulates in the pleural space, it can restrict lung expansion and cause significant breathing difficulties. Sitting upright allows gravity to help move the fluid down and out of the area where it exerts pressure on the lungs, thereby improving lung capacity and function temporarily. This positional relief is a classic sign of pleural effusion, particularly in patients with cancer who are at risk for such complications due to the disease or its treatment. Other potential causes of acute dyspnea, such as pneumonia, an infection, or bronchospasm, generally do not have the same immediate positional relief associated with sitting up. Pneumonia may cause breathing difficulties but is more likely to present with persistent symptoms regardless of position. Similarly, infections might lead to a more systemic illness rather than acute, positional changes. Bronchospasm typically results in wheezing and is not usually alleviated simply by changing position. Thus, the scenario aligns closely with a collection of fluid outside the lung being