NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which term describes a cough that produces blood-tinged sputum?

1. Dyspnea

2. Orthopnea

3. Blood-tinged cough

4. Rhonchi

The correct answer is: Blood-tinged cough

A cough that produces blood-tinged sputum is specifically referred to as a blood-tinged cough. This term directly describes the characteristic of the sputum, indicating that blood is present alongside mucus or saliva that is coughed up. This can be indicative of various medical conditions, such as infections, trauma, or pulmonary issues, where blood has mixed with the respiratory secretions, leading to the distinctive appearance. Other terms in the options relate to different respiratory conditions. Dyspnea refers to difficulty or labored breathing, while orthopnea describes difficulty breathing when lying down. Rhonchi refer to a specific type of abnormal lung sound often associated with airway obstruction. These terms do not capture the specific phenomenon of coughing up blood-tinged sputum, making blood-tinged cough the most accurate descriptor.