Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Which condition may present with sharp chest pain and is often associated with recent delivery of a child?

1. Pulmonary embolism

2. Cardiac arrest

3. Pneumonia

4. Asthma attack

The correct answer is: Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is characterized by the sudden blockage of a major blood vessel in the lung, often by a blood clot that has traveled from the deep veins of the legs or other parts of the body. Sharp chest pain is a common symptom of this condition, and it may be accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and even coughing up blood. The association with recent delivery is significant because women who have recently given birth are at increased risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to factors such as hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and decreased mobility during the late stages of pregnancy. These conditions can lead to a higher likelihood of pulmonary embolism, making it a critical consideration in postpartum patients presenting with sharp chest pain. In contrast, the other conditions listed, such as cardiac arrest, pneumonia, and asthma attacks, do not specifically tie the presentation of sharp chest pain to recent childbirth in the same way or reflect the increased risk factors that accompany the postpartum period. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms associated with pulmonary embolism helps in the timely recognition and management of this potentially life-threatening condition.