Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

What respiratory sound is indicative of swelling in the larynx during an allergic reaction?

1. Wheezing

2. Snoring

3. Stridor

4. Gurgling

The correct answer is: Stridor

Stridor is a high-pitched, raspy sound that occurs during breathing, often associated with upper airway obstruction or significant swelling in the larynx or trachea. It is particularly indicative of conditions such as an allergic reaction leading to laryngeal edema. This sound is commonly heard during inhalation and suggests that the airway is partially obstructed, which can severely compromise a patient's ability to breathe adequately. In the context of an allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, the swelling can narrow the airway, prompting the characteristic stridor as air struggles to pass through the distorted or constricted respiratory passages. Recognizing stridor is crucial for AEMTs, as it signals the need for immediate intervention to secure the airway and provide appropriate emergency care. Other respiratory sounds describe different issues: wheezing typically indicates bronchoconstriction and is more common in conditions like asthma; snoring often signifies partial obstruction of the upper airway but is not specific to laryngeal swelling; gurgling can be associated with fluid present in the airways but does not specifically indicate laryngeal involvement as stridor does. Therefore, understanding and identifying stridor is vital in emergency response scenarios where airway compromise is a concern.