PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which symptom is commonly associated with chest pain post-surgery?

1. Jaw pain

2. Shortness of breath

3. Fatigue

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Chest pain following surgery can be attributed to several underlying causes, and the experience of additional symptoms can provide insight into the nature of the discomfort. In the context of post-surgical recovery, it is not uncommon for patients to report jaw pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue alongside chest pain. Jaw pain can often be associated with referred pain from the chest, especially in cases of cardiac-related issues. This phenomenon highlights the interconnected nature of the body's pain pathways and is a recognized symptom in the context of cardiac events, though it may also arise from other causes. Shortness of breath is particularly relevant in post-surgical patients as it may indicate complications such as pulmonary embolism, atelectasis, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. These conditions are more common after surgeries that involve general anesthesia or those that affect the respiratory system, leading to decreased lung capacity. Fatigue is another symptom frequently reported by post-operative patients, stemming from the surgical stress response, healing processes, and often, the physical limitations imposed by surgery itself. Fatigue can complicate the ability to assess and respond to pain accurately, potentially masking underlying issues that require attention. Given that all these symptoms—jaw pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue—can be interconnected and commonly arise