When obtaining vital signs on a 67-year-old male with dizziness and nausea, your partner states that the pulse seems to disappear periodically when the patient takes a deep breath. As a knowledgeable EMT, your best response would be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The periodic disappearance of the pulse when taking a deep breath is a concerning finding and could be a sign of a serious underlying condition. As an EMT, it is important to communicate this finding to the receiving physician or emergency department staff for further evaluation and management.

When Obtaining Vital Signs on a 67-Year-Old Male with Dizziness