Philadelphia Fire Department Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of smoke inhalation?

1. Decreased heart rate

2. Labored breathing

3. Frothy discharge of blood at the mouth

4. Acute cardiac failure

The correct answer is: Decreased heart rate

The correct choice indicates that decreased heart rate is not a symptom of smoke inhalation. In general, smoke inhalation typically leads to respiratory distress and can cause symptoms that increase heart rate due to the body’s stress response and lack of oxygen. Symptoms commonly associated with smoke inhalation include labored breathing, which signifies difficulty in breathing due to irritation of airways, and frothy discharge of blood at the mouth, indicating serious injury to the lungs that can occur from inhaling smoke and other harmful substances. Additionally, acute cardiac failure can result from the overall lack of oxygen and respiratory distress, exacerbating existing cardiac conditions or creating severe physical stress. Thus, decreased heart rate does not align with the typical physiological responses to smoke inhalation.