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What are the three things always present in a pulmonary embolism?
Chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea
Cough, wheezing, fever
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, confusion
Headache, dizziness, malaise
The correct answer is: Chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea
In the context of a pulmonary embolism, the presence of chest pain, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and tachypnea (rapid breathing) is crucial for recognition and management of this serious condition. Chest pain is a common symptom and can occur due to lung tissue ischemia; it may be pleuritic, meaning it can worsen with breathing or coughing. Dyspnea is a hallmark sign, often reported by patients experiencing an inability to catch their breath, which can result from obstructed pulmonary blood flow leading to decreased oxygenation. Tachypnea typically accompanies these symptoms as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygen levels by increasing respiratory rate. Other symptom combinations, such as cough or fever, might arise in different medical situations but do not define a pulmonary embolism. Therefore, understanding the classical triad of chest pain, dyspnea, and tachypnea is vital for EMTs when assessing a patient who may have a pulmonary embolism, allowing for prompt intervention.