Final answer:
EMTs should associate congestive heart failure with low cardiac output and high peripheral resistance, often presenting symptoms like shortness of breath and swollen legs. Diagnosis typically involves an ECG to check for electrical activity irregularities, as high blood oxygen levels are not characteristic of CHF.
Step-by-step explanation:
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) should associate congestive heart failure (CHF) with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen legs, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. CHF is a chronic condition where the heart does not pump blood as well as it should. This often leads to a low cardiac output and high peripheral resistance, as the weakened heart is unable to meet the body's demand for blood and oxygen. The blood oxygen levels in patients with CHF are typically not high, since the inefficient heart function compromises pulmonary circulation and gas exchange.
A definitive diagnosis of CHF usually involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical impulses in the heart, revealing any abnormalities in the heart's rhythm or structure. Furthermore, an EMT may note that a patient with CHF could experience a decline in heart function, indicated by a lack of normal electrical activity on an ECG. It is essential for EMTs to recognize the signs of CHF to provide appropriate care and expedite treatment for these patients.