North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Which symptom is common among young tall males experiencing spontaneous pneumothorax?

1. Gradual lung sound changes

2. Unexplained weight loss

3. Sudden onset of shortness of breath

4. Chronic cough

The correct answer is: Sudden onset of shortness of breath

The correct answer is the sudden onset of shortness of breath, which is a hallmark symptom of spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly in young tall males. This group is more predisposed to this condition due to anatomical and physiological factors, such as having a thinner chest wall and larger lung volumes, which can contribute to an increased likelihood of rupture of small air blebs on the lung surface. The mechanism behind the symptoms involves air escaping from the lung into the pleural space, which leads to a decrease in lung volume and the consequent feeling of breathlessness. This shortness of breath is typically sudden, often described as an acute event that occurs after certain physical activities or without any apparent exertion, making it particularly alarming for the person experiencing it. Other options, while they might be associated with various medical conditions, do not specifically align with the clinical presentation of spontaneous pneumothorax. For instance, gradual lung sound changes can occur in more chronic respiratory conditions but are not indicative of the acute nature of spontaneous pneumothorax. Unexplained weight loss is usually associated with systemic illnesses and does not relate to sudden pulmonary events. A chronic cough may suggest ongoing respiratory issues but again does not capture the acute and sudden nature of the symptomatology associated