Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which patient symptom should alert the EMT to the possibility of a myocardial infarction?

1. Recent weight gain

2. Unexplained cough

3. Diaphoresis with chest pain

4. Elevated blood sugar

The correct answer is: Diaphoresis with chest pain

The presence of diaphoresis along with chest pain is a classic symptom associated with myocardial infarction (heart attack). Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, often occurs due to the body’s stress response as it struggles with a decreased oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This symptom, when combined with chest pain, significantly heightens the suspicion for a myocardial infarction. Chest pain itself is a critical symptom indicative of potential heart problems, and when diaphoresis is present, it signals a more severe condition such as acute coronary syndrome. Recognizing this combination of symptoms allows EMTs to prioritize immediate intervention, which can be lifesaving. While the other symptoms listed may indicate various health issues, they do not specifically point towards a myocardial infarction. Recent weight gain could suggest fluid retention or other chronic conditions, an unexplained cough could relate to respiratory problems, and elevated blood sugar might indicate diabetes-related issues. However, none of these symptoms provide the same level of urgency and direct correlation with myocardial infarction as the combination of diaphoresis and chest pain does.