Question

A 66-year-old woman experienced a sudden onset of difficulty breathing. She has a history of type 2 diabetes and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). On the basis of her medical history, which of the following should the EMT suspect?

1) Severe hypoglycemia
2) Pulmonary embolism
3) Diabetic ketoacidosis
4) Congestive heart failure

Answer 1

Considering the woman's difficulty breathing and history of type 2 diabetes and DVT, an EMT should suspect a pulmonary embolism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the 66-year-old woman's sudden onset of difficulty breathing and her history of type 2 diabetes and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) should suspect pulmonary embolism (PE). This is because DVT can lead to PE, which is a condition where a blood clot breaks off and travels to the pulmonary arteries, causing serious blockages that can impair breathing and be life-threatening. The diagnosis of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or congestive heart failure, although possible, seem less likely given the sudden nature of her symptoms and her specific history.