Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

Which of the following best describes signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndromes?

1. Abnormal heart beats, rapid and irregular pulse, dry skin

2. Cool and clammy skin, chest discomfort, sharp pain in the back

3. Nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, radiating chest discomfort

4. Rapid pulse, sweating, leg cramps

The correct answer is: Nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, radiating chest discomfort

The correct answer describes a combination of common signs and symptoms associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). These conditions, such as unstable angina and myocardial infarction, often present with significant chest discomfort or pain, which may radiate to other areas such as the arms, back, neck, or jaw. Nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath are also frequently experienced by patients during an ACS event. These symptoms can indicate a decrease in cardiac output or increased stress on the cardiovascular system, making them critical to recognize in the context of an acute cardiac incident. The other options include symptoms that may occur in various medical conditions but do not capture the classic presentation of acute coronary syndromes as effectively. For instance, while abnormal heartbeats and pulses could be associated with cardiac issues, the combination of nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and radiating pain is more specific to ACS, making the correct answer the most accurate reflection of the signs and symptoms of this serious condition.