The correct answers are B. Crackles and E. Dependent edema.

Why B is correct (Crackles):

Crackles (rales) are a hallmark sign of pulmonary edema, which occurs in left-sided heart failure.

Fluid accumulates in the alveoli

Causes crackling sounds on auscultation

Indicates impaired cardiac pumping ability

NREMT-aligned guidance states:

“Pulmonary edema presents with crackles due to fluid in the lungs.”

Why E is correct (Dependent edema):

Dependent edema is a classic sign of right-sided heart failure.

Fluid backs up into systemic circulation

Leads to swelling in:

Legs

Ankles

Lower extremities

NREMT-aligned guidance:

“Right-sided heart failure results in peripheral or dependent edema.”

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Ascites: Can occur in severe right-sided failure but is less common and not a primary EMT-level finding.

C. Wheezing: More commonly associated with asthma or bronchospasm (though CHF can cause “cardiac wheezing,” it is not the best answer here).

D. Chest pain: Suggests cardiac ischemia, not specifically CHF.

Exact Extracts:

“Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary edema and crackles.”

“Right-sided heart failure causes dependent edema.”

“Fluid accumulation results from the heart’s inability to pump effectively.”