Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a common symptom presented with pulmonary edema?

1. Chest tightness

2. Pink frothy sputum

3. Decreased respiratory rate

4. High blood pressure

The correct answer is: Pink frothy sputum

The presence of pink frothy sputum is a classic symptom associated with pulmonary edema. This symptom occurs because fluid accumulates in the alveoli of the lungs, disrupting the normal exchange of gases. When the fluid leaks into the air spaces, it mixes with air and tissue, leading to the production of sputum that appears pink and frothy due to the presence of blood and excess fluid. This is a clear indicator of pulmonary congestion and is often observed in patients with heart failure or acute respiratory distress. Chest tightness can occur in various respiratory and cardiac conditions, but it is not specific to pulmonary edema. A decreased respiratory rate can be seen in other conditions, such as certain types of overdose or central nervous system issues but is not typical for pulmonary edema, which usually presents with increased respiratory effort or rate. High blood pressure may be present in cases where pulmonary edema is related to heart failure, but it is not one of the direct symptoms associated with the edema itself. Therefore, pink frothy sputum stands out as the hallmark symptom indicating pulmonary edema.