Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

Why do some emphysema patients appear "pink" despite experiencing shortness of breath?

1. Increased red blood cell count

2. Exertion

3. Accumulation of carbon monoxide

4. Fever

The correct answer is: Increased red blood cell count

Patients with emphysema often have an increased red blood cell count, a condition known as polycythemia. This occurs as the body compensates for chronic low oxygen levels (hypoxia) by producing more red blood cells to enhance oxygen transport. As a result, these individuals may exhibit a "pink" appearance due to the elevated levels of hemoglobin in their blood, which gives the skin a healthier, more flushed complexion despite their difficulty in breathing. Individuals with emphysema are classified under a COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and their bodies rely on this increased red blood cell production to adequately oxygenate tissues, especially during periods when they are unable to breathe effectively. Although shortness of breath is a common symptom, the presence of additional red blood cells can contrast with this symptom by providing a vibrant skin tone. The other options, while relevant to general physiology, do not directly contribute to this phenomenon in emphysema patients. Exertion, for instance, may cause temporary changes in skin color due to increased heart rate and blood flow, but it does not account for the chronic appearance. Accumulation of carbon monoxide would lead to a different clinical picture, such as cherry-red skin, which is not typical in