New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Which scenario does NOT involve the presence of any symptoms?

1. A 44-year-old male with abdominal pain and severe dizziness

2. A 49-year-old female with blurred vision and ringing in the ears

3. A 55-year-old male with a severe headache and 2 days of nausea

4. A 61-year-old female who is unconscious with facial cyanosis

The correct answer is: A 61-year-old female who is unconscious with facial cyanosis

The scenario involving the 61-year-old female who is unconscious with facial cyanosis is the correct choice because it highlights a condition that can be clinically assessed but does not present any observable symptoms that the patient can self-report. Unconsciousness indicates a lack of responsiveness and awareness, which means the individual cannot communicate any symptoms. Facial cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin indicating inadequate oxygenation, serves as a sign rather than a symptom—coming from an observable assessment rather than something the patient expresses. In contrast, the other scenarios feature patients who are able to articulate their symptoms. They describe experiences that reflect their physiological or psychological state, such as pain, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, severe headache, and nausea, all of which convey more information about their conditions. This distinction is essential for understanding the difference between signs (objective findings observable by others) and symptoms (subjective experiences reported by the patient).