EMT Medical Emergencies Practice Test

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

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

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

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

5) 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:

6) 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?

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

8) 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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18) 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?

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

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

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

22) 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

51) Which rhythm should you be prepared to defibrillate?

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

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

54) 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?

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

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

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

58) What is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

73) 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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