Question

Assessment of a 40-year-old patient reveals respiratory distress, tachycardia, audible expiratory wheezing, and an oxygen saturation of 88%. The EMT should suspect:

A) fluid in the lower airways.
B) diffuse bronchoconstriction.
C) swelling in the laryngeal area.
D) infection of the lower airway.

Answer 1

A 40-year-old patient with respiratory distress, tachycardia, wheezing, and low oxygen saturation likely has diffuse bronchoconstriction, a sign of obstructive pulmonary diseases like asthma.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment of a 40-year-old patient showing symptoms of respiratory distress, tachycardia, audible expiratory wheezing, and an oxygen saturation of 88% should lead an EMT to suspect diffuse bronchoconstriction. These signs are indicative of an obstructive pulmonary disease such as asthma, which is characterized by inflammation of the airways, bronchospasms, and excessive mucus that obstruct the airways and hinder gas exchange, contributing to hypoxemia and respiratory difficulty.