EMT Medical Emergencies Practice Test

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

2) Which rhythm should you be prepared to defibrillate?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12) What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?

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

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

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

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

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

18) 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?

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

20) 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

36) 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

46) 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

69) 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

81) 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:

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

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

84) 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?

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

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

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

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