Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What sign or symptom would you NOT expect to see in a patient who has lost approximately 35% of their blood volume?

1. Rapid heart rate

2. Widened pulse pressure

3. Cool, clammy skin

4. Weakness or fatigue

The correct answer is: Widened pulse pressure

In patients who have lost a significant amount of blood, such as approximately 35% of their total blood volume, certain physiological changes occur as the body attempts to compensate for the loss. When assessing this situation, widened pulse pressure is generally not expected. A widened pulse pressure refers to an increased difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures, which can be indicative of conditions such as sepsis or increased intracranial pressure. However, in the context of acute blood loss, one would typically observe a narrowing of the pulse pressure due to a drop in the systolic blood pressure as the body struggles to maintain adequate perfusion. Conversely, rapid heart rate, cool and clammy skin, and weakness or fatigue are common signs and symptoms following significant blood volume loss. The body’s heart rate increases in an effort to maintain cardiac output and elevate blood flow to vital organs. Meanwhile, peripheral vasoconstriction occurs to redirect blood flow, leading to cool and clammy skin. Weakness or fatigue can arise due to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues, a direct consequence of reduced blood volume. Thus, it is the narrowing pulse pressure that distinguishes this condition, making it an unexpected sign in a patient experiencing such a profound loss of blood volume.