North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam 2026 - Free EMT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 665

What does retraction during breathing indicate?

Weak respiratory effort

Normal breathing

Skin pulling around the ribs

Retraction during breathing refers to the visible indentations in the skin over the ribs, sternum, or neck when a person inhales. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the increased effort required to breathe when airway resistance is elevated or when the lungs are not adequately exchanging air. In normal circumstances, the skin should not pull in around the ribs; instead, it should expand outward with each breath.

When retraction is observed, it indicates that the body is struggling to get enough air, often seen in cases of respiratory distress or obstruction. This can be due to conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, or other situations that compromise the respiratory system. Recognizing retraction is critical for EMTs as it signals that the patient may need urgent intervention to improve their breathing and overall respiratory status.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Fluid in the lungs

Next Question

Report this question

Download North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy