EMT Medical Emergencies Practice Test

1) A patient presents with severe dehydration, hypotension, and a history of vomiting and diarrhea for the past 48 hours. Which electrolyte imbalance should be a concern?

2) During your assessment of a patient with suspected gastrointestinal bleeding, you notice that the patient has melena. What does this indicate?

3) A 68-year-old female with history of hypertension suddenly cannot move her right arm and leg upon waking this morning. She is likely suffering from:

4) Which of the following infectious diseases is transmitted primarily through airborne droplets?

5) A patient suspected of ingesting a large quantity of benzodiazepines should be monitored for what primary complication?

6) You arrive at a scene where a patient appears confused and combative after a motor vehicle collision; these symptoms may indicate:

7) Which condition is characterized by sudden onset of pain in the right lower quadrant, fever, and rebound tenderness?

8) When treating a snake bite, why is it important not to apply ice to the affected area?

9) A 45-year-old male complains of sudden onset of severe, sharp epigastric pain radiating to the back. He admits to heavy alcohol use. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

10) What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?

11) What is the best treatment for a patient experiencing the “bends” (decompression sickness)?

12) Which one of these actions can precipitate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

13) You are assessing a patient who presents with severe epigastric pain and appears pale and anxious. His vital signs show tachycardia and hypotension. What emergency condition should you suspect?

14) What is the first step in treating a patient with suspected frostbite to their fingers?

15) What is a common sign or symptom of severe sepsis?

16) Which of the following is an essential component of managing gestational diabetes?

17) When treating a patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which medication would you administer cautiously?

18) In case of a carbon-monoxide poisoning emergency, what is your initial step as an emergency responder?

19) Which of the following is a potential consequence of untreated hypoglycemia in diabetic patients?

20) Which medication is commonly used for chemical restraint in an agitated patient during psychiatric emergencies?

21) The presence of jugular venous distension (JVD), muffled heart sounds, and hypotension in a trauma patient strongly suggests:

22) What is the FIRST step in managing shoulder dystocia during delivery?

23) During a lightning storm, how can you increase a patient’s safety if they are outdoors and unable to find shelter?

24) During a psychiatric emergency, how can bystanders be most helpful?

25) When first approaching a patient with signs of a psychiatric emergency, what is the most important initial action?

26) In cases of suspected bacterial meningitis, which intervention should be initiated after airway, breathing, and circulation have been assessed?

27) Which substance abuse is MOST likely to result in depressive symptoms upon withdrawal?

28) Which of the following is an effective de-escalation technique when managing patients with behavioral emergencies?

29) Which rhythm will you typically find on the ECG of a patient suffering from Torsades de Pointes?

30) Which patient would be at greatest risk for developing anaphylaxis?

31) HIV can be contracted through which of the following body fluids?

32) For a patient experiencing a hypertensive emergency with a sudden onset of severe headache and nosebleed, which is the most immediate concern?

33) What is the primary physiologic problem in Type 1 diabetes mellitus?

34) After initial influenza infection, symptoms typically develop within what time frame?

35) A patient is presenting with an irregular pulse, chest discomfort, and confusion. The ECG shows chaotic and irregular waves with no discernible P waves or QRS complexes. What is the most appropriate course of action?

36) Which of the following signs and symptoms would MOST likely suggest an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

37) Which hepatitis virus is most commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water?

38) What is the MOST urgent concern when treating a patient with suspected ovarian torsion?

39) A patient experiencing an acute asthma attack is likely to present with:

40) When assessing a patient with suspected hyperventilation syndrome, which of the following would be least likely to be observed?

41) What protection should EMS providers use when treating a patient with suspected meningococcal meningitis?

42) When assessing a patient with a suspected traumatic brain injury, what is the priority?

43) During an opioid overdose, what clinical sign is MOST indicative of this type of poisoning?

44) When treating a patient experiencing an acute allergic reaction, it is important to:

45) The administration of what medication is most appropriate for a conscious patient experiencing hypoglycemia with the ability to swallow?

46) One of the early signs of an allergic reaction that can precede anaphylaxis is:

47) When transporting a potentially violent psychiatric patient, what precautionary measure should be taken?

48) Which electrolyte imbalance is most critical to address in a patient with severe diabetic ketoacidosis?

49) In cases of suspected acute cholecystitis, which symptom is MOST characteristically reported?

50) The “Five Rights” are important when administering epinephrine for anaphylaxis. These include all EXCEPT:

51) Early recognition and treatment are critical for patients with suspected Ebola virus disease because:

52) You arrive on scene to find a patient who was stung by a bee and is now having difficulty breathing. You note swelling around the neck area. What should you suspect?

53) Which symptom is MOST indicative of a possible ectopic pregnancy in a patient experiencing abdominal pain?

54) Which of the following is a common sign of a tension pneumothorax?

55) How should you assist a responsive patient with mild hypothermia who is shivering vigorously?

56) Which symptom is MOST characteristic of placenta previa in the second or third trimester?

57) Upper abdominal discomfort relieved by eating or taking antacids, but returning several hours later, is most indicative of what condition?

58) When assessing a patient with suspected anaphylaxis, what should you check first?

59) A patient presents with sudden-onset severe headache, photophobia, and neck stiffness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

60) A patient presents with fever, headache, and a stiff neck. These symptoms are most indicative of which condition?

61) Substance abuse can often exacerbate or cause which of these behavioral emergencies?

62) You arrive on scene to find a patient presenting with audible wheezes, use of accessory muscles, tripod positioning, and speaking in incomplete sentences. The primary cause is most likely:

63) Which medication is an appropriate treatment for benzodiazepine overdose?

64) In which situation would activated charcoal NOT be recommended for an overdose patient?

65) Which of the following actions should be taken first for a patient experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure?

66) During an assessment of a potential endocrine emergency, which symptom would suggest thyroid storm over hypothyroidism?

67) Which rhythm should you be prepared to defibrillate?

68) Which of the following signs is NOT commonly associated with preeclampsia?

69) What defines “tolerance” in the context of substance abuse?

70) First-line treatment for a mother suffering from postpartum hemorrhage immediately after delivery should include:

71) What is the most appropriate immediate care for a patient with heat stroke?

72) Which of the following drugs is classified as a stimulant?

73) What focal neurological deficit is commonly seen with an epidural hematoma?

74) What must EMS providers maintain regarding a patient’s personal health information during a psychiatric emergency?

75) What is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis in the prehospital setting?

76) What is an important question to ask during evaluation of a suicidal patient in the pre-hospital setting?

77) What is the first-line treatment for a patient exhibiting signs of congestive heart failure (CHF)?

78) For a patient with flail chest, you may notice:

79) In cases of suspected pulmonary embolism, what is the most appropriate initial action?

80) Which of the following is NOT a sign of myocardial infarction (MI)?

81) For a patient with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which medication should be administered first provided there are no contraindications?

82) An EMT finds a diabetic patient unresponsive with cold, clammy skin. What should be the first step in management?

83) Which of the following is a common sign of a stroke?

84) The recommended immediate management action when encountering prolapsed umbilical cord during delivery is:

85) What is a common early sign of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS)?

86) What is an indication for CPAP in respiratory distress?

87) Which of the following signs or symptoms is most indicative of an allergic reaction?

88) Which of the following breathing difficulties should be expected in a patient suffering from anaphylaxis after a bee sting?