North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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Which condition can cause distended neck veins indicative of a serious medical issue?

  1. Gastrointestinal distress

  2. Tension pneumothorax

  3. Muscle strain

  4. Mild headaches

The correct answer is: Tension pneumothorax

Distended neck veins are a significant clinical finding often associated with increased central venous pressure. One of the primary conditions that can lead to this phenomenon is tension pneumothorax. In this situation, air becomes trapped in the pleural space, and as pressure builds, it compresses the vena cava, which can inhibit venous return to the heart. The elevated pressure can cause the jugular veins in the neck to bulge, indicating a serious issue that requires immediate intervention. While gastrointestinal distress can lead to various symptoms, it does not typically produce distended neck veins under normal circumstances. Similarly, muscle strain and mild headaches are unlikely to be associated with changes in central venous pressure or the appearance of distended neck veins. Therefore, tension pneumothorax stands out as the most relevant condition linked to this clinical sign.

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