TheoryEMT
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30 free EMT questions
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EMT
A woman is described as G3P1. What does this mean?
Correct — D. In obstetric notation, 'G' (gravida) refers to the total number of times a woman has been pregnant, and 'P' (para) refers to the number of times she has delivered a viable fetus. Therefore, G3P1 means she has been pregnant three times and has delivered one viable baby. -
EMT
All of the following are signs of alcohol intoxication EXCEPT:
Correct — D. Pale facial skin is not a sign of alcohol intoxication; flushing of the face is. Other recognized signs include disinhibition of impulses, impaired judgment, and impaired functioning. -
EMT
In neonates, fever is defined as a rectal temperature greater than:
Correct — D. Fever in neonates is defined as a rectal temperature exceeding 100.4° F. Neonatal fever is typically a cause for concern and often signals an acute viral or bacterial infection. -
EMT
The buildup of fatty deposits on the inner walls of arteries is called atherosclerosis.
Correct — B. This is true. Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fatty (lipid) deposits inside arterial walls. It is easy to confuse with arteriosclerosis, which involves the hardening and calcification of arterial walls. -
EMT
By what other name is Thiamine commonly known?
Correct — A. Thiamine is also known as Vitamin B1. It is an essential nutrient involved in energy metabolism, and is critical for normal cardiac, muscular, and nervous system function. Deficiency can lead to serious conditions such as beriberi or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. -
EMT
Compared to the other option, which medical condition has a more gradual onset?
Correct — B. Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose, develops gradually. Symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision appear over time. If untreated, it can progress to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. -
EMT
All of the following statements about diabetes are true EXCEPT one. Which statement is NOT true?
Correct — A. All of the other statements about diabetes are accurate. The false statement is that hypoglycemic patients should not receive sugar — in fact, they should. Appropriate sources of sugar include candy, orange juice, or regular soft drinks. Be sure to confirm the item actually contains sugar rather than an artificial sweetener. -
EMT
Is normal saline considered an isotonic solution?
Correct — A. Yes. An isotonic solution has the same salt (solute) concentration as body cells and blood. Normal saline meets this definition and is commonly used for intravenous fluid replacement. -
EMT
Which of the following vital sign ranges would be considered normal for a 5-year-old child?
Correct — A. A normal pulse rate for a 5-year-old is approximately 80 to 120 beats per minute. Expected respirations are 20 to 25 breaths per minute, and a typical blood pressure is around 90/52 mm Hg. -
EMT
Which hormones does the pancreas secrete to help regulate blood sugar?
Correct — D. The pancreas regulates blood glucose levels by secreting glucagon and insulin, both of which play key roles in carbohydrate metabolism and digestion. -
EMT
What is the general category of diseases that cause lower airway obstruction called?
Correct — C. Diseases that cause lower airway obstruction fall under the category of obstructive lung diseases. These conditions are generally characterized by airway inflammation and restricted airflow. -
EMT
You respond to a factory where temperatures have exceeded 100°F all week. A 37-year-old male who complained of dizziness before losing consciousness is found with hot, dry skin, a rapid pulse, and dilated pupils. What condition is this patient most likely experiencing?
Correct — C. Exposure to high environmental heat without adequate hydration or ventilation leads to elevated core temperature. Hot, dry skin is an ominous sign indicating the body's cooling mechanisms have failed. Emergent hyperthermia (heat stroke) is a true life-threatening emergency requiring rapid cooling and urgent transport. -
EMT
In an adult, which of the following heart rate values indicates bradycardia?
Correct — C. In adults, a heart rate below 60 beats per minute is classified as bradycardia. Many well-conditioned athletes have resting heart rates below 60, so this finding should only raise concern if the patient also shows signs of inadequate tissue perfusion, such as low blood pressure. -
EMT
While transporting a patient with chest pain, he loses consciousness and has no pulse. Which of the following procedures should be followed?
Correct — C. The vehicle should be stopped whenever the AED is in analyze or shock mode. Movement can interfere with rhythm analysis, and delivering a shock in a moving vehicle creates risk of accidental contact with the patient or pads. All AED interventions should occur only after the driver has stopped the vehicle. -
EMT
Why is it important to inspect the AED before every shift?
Correct — A. The AED must be inspected at the start of each shift to verify it is fully charged and functional. Skipping this check may constitute negligence if the device fails during a cardiac arrest. Environmental factors such as temperature can drain a battery even if it appeared fully charged at the end of the previous shift, so relying on the prior crew's assessment is insufficient. -
EMT
What is the key distinguishing feature of angina pectoris when compared to a myocardial infarction?
Correct — B. Angina pectoris is typically triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. The symptoms usually last no longer than 10 minutes and can be relieved with rest, in contrast to myocardial infarction pain which is persistent and not relieved by rest. -
EMT
Which of the following interventions is NOT appropriate when treating a child in shock?
Correct — B. Oral fluids should never be given to any patient in shock, as this can induce vomiting and lead to airway compromise. Goals of treatment include maintaining the airway, supporting blood pressure, and preserving body temperature. Preventing hypothermia is essential to the child's survival. Airway management and oxygenation are the highest priorities in pediatric shock. -
EMT
In which sequence does blood flow through the chambers of the heart?
Correct — C. Blood returns to the heart via the right atrium, passes into the right ventricle, travels through the pulmonary capillary beds to be oxygenated, returns to the left atrium, and then passes into the left ventricle, which pumps freshly oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. -
EMT
What term describes the overall change in vital signs that occurs in response to increased intracranial pressure?
Correct — D. Cushing's Response refers to the set of vital sign changes associated with increased intracranial pressure, including rising blood pressure, a falling heart rate, and abnormal respiratory patterns. It represents the body's attempt to compensate for pressure on the brain from conditions such as head injuries or intracranial bleeding. -
EMT
Which type of ECG leads are unipolar leads that record cardiac electrical activity in the horizontal plane?
Correct — D. Precordial leads, also called chest leads, are unipolar leads that record cardiac electrical activity in the horizontal plane. They are used as part of 12-lead ECG monitoring and measure the amplitude of the heart's electrical current. -
EMT
What is the final stage of shock called?
Correct — D. Irreversible shock is the terminal stage of shock, at which point the body can no longer compensate for fluid or blood loss and death is inevitable. -
EMT
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a sign of a stroke?
Correct — C. Chest pain is least likely to indicate a stroke. Stroke signs include sudden vision changes, difficulty swallowing, trouble speaking or understanding speech, facial or limb numbness or weakness, sudden confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, unexplained falls, or a sudden severe headache. -
EMT
At the site of an overturned container truck, you arrive as the primary EMT. Upon your arrival, you notice a placard with an ID number that you are unable to identify. Additionally, there appears to be fluid seeping from the vehicle.<br/><br/>What course of action should you take in this situation?
Correct — D. Your personal safety should be your primary concern as an EMT. Only when properly trained personnel have confirmed that it is safe to enter the scene should you do so. The rescue team should never position themselves downhill from a hazardous materials incident. -
EMT
Under what circumstances is it acceptable to disregard the right-of-way of a school bus that is unloading children?
Correct — D. A school bus unloading children always has the right-of-way. There are no emergency circumstances — including responding to a mass casualty incident or transporting a critical patient — that justify disregarding this rule. -
EMT
Which of the following is the next step once the EMR has determined that the scene is unsafe to enter?
Correct — D. The EMR should immediately request the appropriate specialized resources. 911 should have been contacted prior to the EMR responding. Additionally, the primary job of all emergency responders is to verify the scene is safe before entering; therefore, the EMR should wait for the arrival of those that are trained to handle any special circumstances. -
EMT
When transporting a patient with supine hypotensive syndrome, what position should she be placed in?
Correct — B. Patients with supine hypotensive syndrome should be positioned on their left side to relieve pressure on the vena cava. A pillow or rolled blanket placed against the back helps maintain this position during transport. -
EMT
When transporting an amputated body part, which of the following is the correct management approach?
Correct — B. An amputated part should be sealed in a plastic bag and the bag placed on ice. Direct contact between the tissue and ice must be avoided because freezing damages capillaries. The part is not sterile and does not require a sterility dressing. -
EMT
Bright red, spurting blood is characteristic of injury to which type of vessel?
Correct — C. Bright red, pulsatile (spurting) blood indicates arterial injury. The spurts coincide with the heartbeat and arterial bleeding can be the most difficult type of hemorrhage to control. -
EMT
Which of the following is NOT a manual airway maneuver?
Correct — C. Recognized manual airway maneuvers include the head-tilt/chin-lift, jaw thrust, and triple airway maneuver. The 'motion thrust maneuver' is not a real technique. -
EMT
Which of the following describes an involuntary elevation of the palate and contraction of pharyngeal muscles triggered by stimulation of the posterior pharynx and soft palate?
Correct — C. The gag reflex is an involuntary protective response that elevates the palate and contracts the pharyngeal muscles when the posterior pharynx or soft palate is stimulated, thereby preventing foreign material from entering the hypopharynx. In some individuals, a larger area of brainstem involvement can lead to vomiting.
EMT sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
EMT At the site of an overturned container truck, you arrive as the primary EMT. Upon your arrival, you notice a placard with an ID number that you are unable to identify. Additionally, there appears to be fluid seeping from the vehicle.<br/><br/>What course of action should you take in this situation?
A. You should determine if the driver has already vacated the vehicle
B. You should begin containing the fluid that is leaking from the vehicle
C. You should position the ambulance downhill from the overturned vehicle
D. You should notify your dispatcher that you are in need of a hazardous materials team ✓
Correct — D. Your personal safety should be your primary concern as an EMT. Only when properly trained personnel have confirmed that it is safe to enter the scene should you do so. The rescue team should never position themselves downhill from a hazardous materials incident.
EMT Under what circumstances is it acceptable to disregard the right-of-way of a school bus that is unloading children?
A. When you are responding to an MCI (mass casualty incident)
B. When you have a police escort
C. When you are transporting a severe patient
D. Never ✓
Correct — D. A school bus unloading children always has the right-of-way. There are no emergency circumstances — including responding to a mass casualty incident or transporting a critical patient — that justify disregarding this rule.
EMT Which of the following is the next step once the EMR has determined that the scene is unsafe to enter?
A. Call 911 immediately for an ambulance
B. None of the above
C. Contact your commander via land-line
D. Request specialized resources to manage the threat ✓
E. Enter the scene, as the EMR’s primary job is to save lives no matter what the cost
Correct — D. The EMR should immediately request the appropriate specialized resources. 911 should have been contacted prior to the EMR responding. Additionally, the primary job of all emergency responders is to verify the scene is safe before entering; therefore, the EMR should wait for the arrival of those that are trained to handle any special circumstances.
EMT When transporting a patient with supine hypotensive syndrome, what position should she be placed in?
A. Supine, with the knees bent upward.
B. On her left side, with a pillow or rolled blanket supporting her back. ✓
C. On her right side, with a pillow or rolled blanket supporting her back.
D. Supine, lying completely flat.
Correct — B. Patients with supine hypotensive syndrome should be positioned on their left side to relieve pressure on the vena cava. A pillow or rolled blanket placed against the back helps maintain this position during transport.
EMT When transporting an amputated body part, which of the following is the correct management approach?
A. Soak it in saline solution and place it directly on ice.
B. Place it in a plastic bag, then place the bag on ice. ✓
C. Wrap it in an occlusive dressing to preserve moisture.
D. Wrap it in a multi-trauma dressing to maintain sterility.
Correct — B. An amputated part should be sealed in a plastic bag and the bag placed on ice. Direct contact between the tissue and ice must be avoided because freezing damages capillaries. The part is not sterile and does not require a sterility dressing.
EMT Bright red, spurting blood is characteristic of injury to which type of vessel?
A. A capillary
B. The lungs
C. An artery ✓
D. A vein
Correct — C. Bright red, pulsatile (spurting) blood indicates arterial injury. The spurts coincide with the heartbeat and arterial bleeding can be the most difficult type of hemorrhage to control.
EMT Which of the following is NOT a manual airway maneuver?
A. Triple airway maneuver.
B. Head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver.
C. Motion thrust maneuver. ✓
D. Jaw thrust maneuver.
Correct — C. Recognized manual airway maneuvers include the head-tilt/chin-lift, jaw thrust, and triple airway maneuver. The 'motion thrust maneuver' is not a real technique.
EMT Which of the following describes an involuntary elevation of the palate and contraction of pharyngeal muscles triggered by stimulation of the posterior pharynx and soft palate?
A. Vallecular reflex
B. Nasal reflex
C. Gag reflex ✓
D. Cough reflex
Correct — C. The gag reflex is an involuntary protective response that elevates the palate and contracts the pharyngeal muscles when the posterior pharynx or soft palate is stimulated, thereby preventing foreign material from entering the hypopharynx. In some individuals, a larger area of brainstem involvement can lead to vomiting.
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Topics in this question bank
Safe and effective care environment
Health promotion and maintenance
Psychosocial and physiological integrity
Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
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