Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with emphysema?

1. Tachycardia

2. Pursed lips

3. Tripod position

4. Peripheral edema

The correct answer is: Peripheral edema

Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that primarily affects the alveoli, leading to shortness of breath and difficulty in exhaling air. The associated symptoms often include rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia, which can be a response to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Patients may demonstrate pursed-lip breathing, a technique that helps maintain airway pressure and improve breathing efficiency. The tripod position, where patients lean forward to facilitate breathing, is often observed in those with severe respiratory distress due to emphysema. Peripheral edema, however, is not a typical symptom of emphysema. While it can occur in various conditions, particularly those involving heart failure or venous insufficiency, it is not directly linked to the pulmonary issues seen in emphysema. Therefore, when considering the symptoms specific to emphysema, peripheral edema stands out as the least associated symptom among the listed options.