Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification test!

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A 56-year-old male experiences chest discomfort and sweating while lifting a heavy object. What is this likely indicative of?

  1. Stable angina pectoris

  2. A myocardial infarction

  3. Heart failure

  4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

The correct answer is: Stable angina pectoris

The symptoms of chest discomfort alongside sweating in this scenario are commonly associated with stable angina pectoris, particularly since these symptoms are triggered by a physical exertion such as lifting a heavy object. Stable angina typically presents as a temporary episode of chest pain or discomfort that occurs with exertion and is generally relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. In this case, the physical effort is a crucial factor, as angina is characterized by exertional distress. The sweating (diaphoresis) could also be a response to the pain associated with angina. While there might be overlaps with other conditions, stable angina aligns closely with the exertional nature of the symptoms and the demographic details provided. This does not rule out myocardial infarction or other conditions entirely, but the context of physical activity triggering the symptoms strongly suggests stable angina as the most likely indication.