North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

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What condition is indicated by coughing up blood?

Hemoptysis
Melena
Hypoxia
Necrosis

The correct answer is: Hemoptysis

The condition indicated by coughing up blood is hemoptysis. Hemoptysis refers specifically to the expulsion of blood from the respiratory tract, typically from the lungs or bronchi, and is often characterized by the presence of bright red blood in the sputum. This can be a symptom of various underlying conditions such as pulmonary infections, lung cancer, or pulmonary embolism, and requires prompt medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. In contrast, melena refers to the passage of black, tarry stools, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding, while hypoxia pertains to insufficient oxygen in the tissues, and necrosis describes the death of cells due to injury or disease. Each of these conditions involves different systems and symptoms unrelated to the act of coughing up blood itself.