Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

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What is hematemesis?

Bright red blood in feces
Blood in vomit
A bruise
10% blood loss

The correct answer is: Blood in vomit

Hematemesis refers specifically to the presence of blood in vomit. It is a medical term derived from the combination of "hemat-" meaning blood and "emesis" meaning vomiting. When a person experiences hematemesis, it can indicate several underlying conditions, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers, or esophageal varices. The blood can appear either bright red or have a brownish color, often resembling coffee grounds, depending on how long the blood has been in the stomach and the presence of stomach acid. Understanding this term is crucial for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) because recognizing hematemesis can help identify patients who may require urgent medical attention, guiding them to provide appropriate care or transport quickly. The other choices do not accurately define hematemesis, as they refer to different medical conditions or symptoms.