Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What does a pink frothy sputum indicate in a patient?

1. Asthma attack

2. Pneumonia

3. Pulmonary edema

4. Bronchitis

The correct answer is: Pulmonary edema

A pink frothy sputum is a significant clinical finding that typically indicates the presence of pulmonary edema, which is often associated with heart failure. In pulmonary edema, the fluid accumulation in the alveoli of the lungs can mix with air and create a characteristic frothy sputum that is tinged pink due to the presence of blood-tinged fluid. This can occur when the left side of the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation and causing fluid to leak into the alveoli. In contrast, conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis often produce different types of sputum and clinical presentations. Asthma tends to produce wheezing and thick, white or yellow sputum. Pneumonia usually results in a productive cough with sputum that is purulent, colorful, or rust-colored depending on the causative organism. Bronchitis generally leads to a productive cough with thick, clear, or yellow sputum but does not result in the distinctive pink frothy appearance associated with pulmonary edema. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.