Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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What condition is indicated by jugular venous distension (JVD), mediastinal shift, and dyspnea?

Pneumonia
Asthma
Tension Pneumothorax
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The correct answer is: Tension Pneumothorax

Jugular venous distension (JVD), mediastinal shift, and dyspnea are classic signs associated with tension pneumothorax. In this condition, air enters the pleural space and does not escape, leading to increased pressure on the affected side. This elevated pressure compresses the lungs and major blood vessels, causing respiratory distress (dyspnea) and preventing proper venous return to the heart, which results in JVD due to the back-up of blood in the jugular venous system. Mediastinal shift occurs as the lung on the affected side collapses and the mediastinum is pushed towards the opposite side, which can compromise cardiovascular function as well. Together, these signs strongly suggest that tension pneumothorax is the underlying issue, setting it apart from the other conditions listed, which do not commonly present with such a triad of symptoms.