New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

Which symptom would indicate the need for immediate airway assistance in an unresponsive patient?

1. Severe labored breathing

2. Presence of hives

3. Consciousness of the patient

4. Weak radial pulse

The correct answer is: Severe labored breathing

In the context of assessing an unresponsive patient, the presence of severe labored breathing signifies a critical need for immediate airway assistance. When a patient is unresponsive, their ability to maintain an open airway and breathe effectively is compromised. Severe labored breathing indicates that the patient is struggling to get adequate air, which can lead to respiratory failure. In such instances, emergency medical technicians must act quickly to ensure that the airway is clear and that the patient can receive sufficient oxygen. Other symptoms, such as the presence of hives, may suggest an allergic reaction but do not directly signal an imminent threat to the airway. Consciousness of the patient is not applicable here, as the question specifies an unresponsive individual. A weak radial pulse may indicate issues with circulation and perfusion, but it does not depict an immediate airway crisis. Hence, severe labored breathing is the most urgent condition requiring intervention in this scenario.