Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What is the primary symptom of left-sided heart failure that affects respiratory function?

1. Wheezing and coughing

2. Decreased oxygen saturation

3. Nasal congestion

4. Pulmonary edema

The correct answer is: Pulmonary edema

The primary symptom of left-sided heart failure that affects respiratory function is pulmonary edema. Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood out to the body. This leads to a backup of blood in the pulmonary circulation, causing increased pressure in the capillaries of the lungs. As a result, fluid leaks from the capillaries into the alveoli, leading to pulmonary edema, which manifests as difficulty breathing, a feeling of suffocation, and cough that produces frothy sputum. This condition significantly impairs respiratory function by decreasing the lungs' ability to exchange gases effectively, thus affecting oxygenation. The other options may present in various scenarios but are not the primary concern when it comes to the respiratory implications of left-sided heart failure. While wheezing and coughing can occur, they typically result from the fluid accumulation rather than being definitive symptoms on their own. Decreased oxygen saturation can indeed result from pulmonary edema, but it is a secondary effect rather than a direct symptom. Nasal congestion is more commonly associated with upper respiratory conditions and is not directly related to heart failure symptoms. Therefore, pulmonary edema stands out as the most critical and direct indicator of respiratory compromise linked to left-sided heart failure.