NREMT Paramedic Practice

What crucial signs are associated with hemothorax?

1. Hypertension, tachycardia, and fever

2. Tachypnea, dyspnea, and cyanosis

3. Bradycardia, hyperventilation, and dizziness

4. Chest pain, cough, and headaches

The correct answer is: Tachypnea, dyspnea, and cyanosis

The signs associated with hemothorax primarily reflect the respiratory distress and compromised oxygenation that occur due to blood accumulation in the pleural space. Tachypnea, or increased respiratory rate, is a common compensatory response to hypoxia, allowing the body to increase oxygen uptake. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, signifies that the patient is experiencing respiratory distress, typically due to the reduction of normal lung capacity caused by the presence of fluid (in this case, blood) in the thoracic cavity. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, indicates inadequate oxygenation of the blood, highlighting a severe compromise in respiratory function. These signs are critical for identifying hemothorax in a clinical setting, as they align with the pathophysiological changes that occur when blood fills the pleural space, causing lung expansion issues and impaired gas exchange.