What is a potential sign of right-sided heart failure due to pulmonary embolism?

Study for the NAIT Primary Care Paramedic NOCP Pathophysiology Test. Ace your exam with our multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your pathophysiology exam!

The indication of sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea is a key sign of right-sided heart failure due to pulmonary embolism. In the case of a pulmonary embolism, which involves a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, the heart's right side must work harder to push blood through the obstructed vessels. This leads to increased pressure in the right ventricle and can cause acute symptoms.

Sudden chest pain results from the strain on the heart as well as the ischemia that may occur due to reduced blood flow. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, emerges due to impaired gas exchange and reduced oxygenation resulting from the blockage. These symptoms commonly present in patients experiencing a pulmonary embolism, making it a classic manifestation of this condition.

Other incorrect options may represent different conditions or complications that do not specifically align with the acute presentation of right-sided heart failure due to pulmonary embolism.

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