Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

A patient with pneumonia typically presents with which of the following symptoms?

1. Rapid heart rate and diaphoresis

2. Dry cough and wheezing

3. Fever and productive cough

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Fever and productive cough

A patient with pneumonia commonly presents with fever and a productive cough due to the infection causing inflammation in the lungs. The fever is a response to the infection, as the body tries to fight off the pathogens. The productive cough occurs as the body attempts to clear the excess mucus and fluid that can accumulate in the respiratory tract during pneumonia. This symptomatic response is typical for respiratory infections like pneumonia, distinguishing it from other respiratory conditions that may present differently. The presence of fever indicates an immune response, and the productive cough suggests that there is sputum being produced, which often consists of pus, mucus, and sometimes blood, depending on the severity of the infection. This combination of symptoms is characteristic and serves to guide healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing the patient's condition effectively.