Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

Which term describes the presence of a pocket of blood at the bases of the lung due to bleeding in the pleural space?

1. Active; pressure drops, air is sucked in

2. Blood in chest; bleeding in pleural space forming a pocket of blood at bases of lung; decreased lung expansion

3. Either bruise to lung; or bruise to heart; AMI like chest pain, arrhythmias and disturbances

4. Decreased lung sounds on one side; respiratory distress; maybe bubbling chest wound

The correct answer is: Blood in chest; bleeding in pleural space forming a pocket of blood at bases of lung; decreased lung expansion

The term that correctly describes the presence of a pocket of blood at the bases of the lung due to bleeding in the pleural space is blood in chest. This condition is typically known as a hemothorax, where blood accumulates in the pleural cavity, resulting in reduced lung expansion and impaired respiratory function. When blood collects in this space, it can push against the lung, preventing it from fully expanding and leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and decreased breath sounds on the affected side. Recognizing the implications of a hemothorax is crucial for EMTs, as it necessitates immediate medical attention to address the bleeding and restore proper lung function. This term encompasses the key aspects of what happens during this medical emergency, emphasizing the formation of a blood pocket and its impact on lung expansion. Understanding this helps build a foundational knowledge of thoracic injuries and how they affect respiratory mechanics in trauma patients.