Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What is the typical presentation of angina pectoris?

1. Cool, clammy skin and restlessness

2. Pulsating mass in the chest, sharp pain

3. Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness

4. Temporary chest pain due to interrupted blood supply

The correct answer is: Temporary chest pain due to interrupted blood supply

The typical presentation of angina pectoris involves temporary chest pain or discomfort due to a temporary decrease in blood supply to the heart muscle, often as a result of coronary artery disease. This pain is usually described as a squeezing, pressure-like feeling, and it can also be accompanied by sensations in the arms, neck, jaw, or back. The pain tends to occur during physical exertion, stress, or other forms of increased cardiac demand and typically resolves with rest or nitroglycerin. While the other options describe various medical conditions, they do not accurately represent the nature of angina pectoris. For instance, the symptoms of cool, clammy skin and restlessness may align more closely with shock or a panic attack, while a pulsating mass in the chest and sharp pain could indicate a different cardiovascular issue, such as an aortic dissection. Sudden collapse and loss of consciousness suggest a more severe event, such as a heart attack or arrhythmia, rather than angina. Thus, the description of temporary chest pain due to interrupted blood supply captures the key characteristics of angina pectoris effectively and accurately.