Which sign suggests the need for CPAP in a patient with CHF?

Prepare for the Santa Clara County EMS Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ensure your success on exam day!

The indication for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in a patient with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is characterized by orthopnea, which refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat. This symptom occurs due to the redistribution of fluid in the lungs when supine position is assumed, leading to pulmonary congestion and increased work of breathing.

Patients with CHF often exhibit orthopnea as their left ventricle struggles to effectively pump blood, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs. The application of CPAP helps by maintaining airway patency and providing positive pressure that can help keep the alveoli open, improving oxygenation and making it easier for the patient to breathe, especially when they are positioned flat.

The other signs are not directly related to the immediate need for CPAP in CHF. Severe asthmatic symptoms usually require bronchodilation rather than CPAP, sudden vomiting might suggest other gastrointestinal issues or complications unrelated to CHF, and stable blood pressure indicates that the patient might not be in significant respiratory distress, reducing the urgency for CPAP intervention.

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