North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is the primary concern with a patient experiencing orthopnea?

1. Lack of tissue oxygenation

2. Difficulty lying flat without breathing problems

3. Excessive coughing

4. Reduced circulatory function

The correct answer is: Difficulty lying flat without breathing problems

Orthopnea is a medical condition characterized by difficulty breathing when lying flat. As a result, the primary concern for a patient experiencing orthopnea is indeed the difficulty they face in maintaining a supine position without experiencing breathing difficulties. This often indicates that the patient's respiratory status is compromised, which can be particularly concerning for conditions like congestive heart failure or pulmonary issues. When patients cannot lie flat without worsening their shortness of breath, it signifies that they may need to sleep in a more upright position to alleviate their symptoms. This difficulty can impact their overall quality of sleep and contribute to further complications if not appropriately managed. Other options, while potentially relevant to different patient scenarios, do not capture the central issue of orthopnea itself.