TheoryParamedic
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30 free Paramedic questions
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Paramedic
You are treating a patient with a snakebite from a pit viper. All the following are proper treatment procedures EXCEPT:
Correct — D. Snake venoms are extremely harmful and could cause injury to the rescuer. The paramedic should never suck poison from the patient's wound using the mouth. If suction is necessary, the paramedic should use a snakebite kit to remove venom from the wound. <br/><br/>The paramedic should ensure the scene is safe (choice A), provide the snakebite patient with airway and cardiovascular support (choice B), and keep the patient as still as possible (choice C) to avoid rapid movement of the venom through the body. -
Paramedic
What condition do individuals typically develop during childhood if they are unable to produce sufficient insulin naturally?
Correct — C. Type I diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition that typically develops during childhood. Individuals with this condition are unable to produce sufficient insulin naturally. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. Without enough insulin, the body is unable to properly process glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels. <br/><br/>Option B) Type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent) is the wrong answer. Type II diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, typically develops later in life and is primarily caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. In this condition, the body is still able to produce insulin, but it becomes less effective at regulating blood sugar levels.<br/><br/>Option C) Type I diabetes (non-insulin dependent) is also incorrect. Type I diabetes is always characterized by a lack of insulin production and requires insulin replacement therapy to manage blood sugar levels.<br/><br/>Option D) Type II diabetes (insulin dependent) is also an incorrect answer. In Type II diabetes, individuals may sometimes require insulin therapy if other medications and lifestyle changes are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels. However, it is not the typical condition that individuals with insufficient insulin production during childhood develop. -
Paramedic
In terms of the Apgar score, if a newborn infant has a pulse rate of less than 100 beats per minute, he or she would be assigned which of the following scores for pulse rate?
Correct — D. The pulse rate for an Apgar score is rated from 0 to 2 with 0 being no pulse rate. A pulse rate of less than 100 beats per minute rates a score of 1; and a pulse rate of over 100 beats per minute rates a score of 2. -
Paramedic
Palpation with fingertips is usually employed for examining all of the following areas on the body EXCEPT the
Correct — C. Since some patients will immediately tense up their abdomen during an exam regardless of whether pain is present or not, it is typically palpated using the ulnar surface of the hand. <br/><br/>Palpation with fingertips is usually reserved for examining the head (choice A), the distal extremities (choice C), and the neck (choice D). -
Paramedic
In terms of drug-receptor interaction, which of the following terms indicates the ability of a drug to initiate biological activity as a result of binding to a receptor site?
Correct — C. Efficacy is the term for the ability of a drug to initiate biological activity as a result of binding to a receptor site. In other words, it is the ability of a drug to produce the desired therapeutic effect. -
Paramedic
A 35-year-old woman says she as an intense fear with a feeling of impending doom. She tells you that this occurred suddenly and without warning.<br/><br/>This type of anxiety disorder is known as which of the following?
Correct — A. <strong>Panic disorder</strong> is characterized by episodes of recurrent and intense fear or feeling of impending doom that occur without apparent warning. Physical symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath and tachycardia. -
Paramedic
The rib cage is made up of ribs known as true ribs and
Correct — A. There are ribs that are called true ribs and false ribs in the rib cage. There are 7 true ribs on each side, and 5 false ribs on each side. -
Paramedic
Which of the following is the definition of ectopic pregnancy?
Correct — D. An ectopic pregnancy is when an embryo develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy occurs about once in every 300 pregnancies. A patient with an ectopic pregnancy may present with signs of internal bleeding when the fallopian tube ruptures. <br><br>Ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous abortion are two conditions that can cause vaginal bleeding in women who do not appear to be pregnant and who may not realize they are pregnant. -
Paramedic
Examination of a patient’s nails can provide insights into their health condition.<br/><br/>What term is used to describe the condition where transverse white bands appear on the nail, covering most of it except for a small area at the tip?
Correct — C. The paramedic should observe the color and shape of the patient's fingernails and toenails and assess for the presence or absence of lesions. Terry's nails are characterized by the presence of transverse white bands that cover the nail except for a narrow zone at the distal tip. They are associated with cirrhosis. -
Paramedic
The innermost layer of an artery or vein is known as tunica <code>________</code>.
Correct — B. The tunica intima is the innermost layer that comes in direct contact with blood circulation. -
Paramedic
A patient who is fully oriented and can communicate verbally would rate which of the following in terms of Verbal Response on the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Correct — C. The Glasgow Coma Scale rates verbal response from 1-5. A patient who is fully oriented and able to speak rates a 5 on this scale. -
Paramedic
About 80 to 85 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes.<br/><br/>These types of strokes result from which of the following?
Correct — A. Ischemic strokes result from <strong>occlusion of a cerebral artery</strong> that obstructs blood flow to an area of the brain. The most common underlying cause of ischemic strokes is atherosclerosis, the process in which fatty deposits collect and line the walls of vessels. -
Paramedic
You are treating a patient who has sustained a depressed skull fracture. What is the best treatment for this patient?
Correct — D. If a patient has sustained a depressed skull fracture, it is most likely open. The best care you can provide is to apply a moist sterile dressing to the affected area. -
Paramedic
Which of the following statements about spinal shock is least accurate?
Correct — A. The autonomic dysfunction of spinal shock usually resolves within 24 hours. Rarely, though, spinal shock may last a few days to a few weeks. -
Paramedic
A complete tear of a ligament in connective tissues, which necessitates reattachment, is known as a <code>________</code>.
Correct — C. A 3rd degree sprain refers to a complete tear of a ligament in connective tissues that requires reattachment. This is considered the most severe type of sprain, as it involves a significant tear in the ligament. Treatment for a 3rd degree sprain often involves surgery to repair and reattach the ligament, followed by a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and function in the affected joint. -
Paramedic
The information officer is responsible for which of the following?
Correct — C. If required, the incident commander may name officers to assist in managing an incident. The information officer (IO) is responsible for <strong>communicating information regarding the response to the public and press</strong>. . -
Paramedic
Which of the following statements about helmet removal in the prehospital setting is least accurate?
Correct — C. This is the least accurate statement. Rescuers should never remove their hands from the patient at the same time.<br/><br/>This is because in-line mobilization must be maintained throughout the procedure. -
Paramedic
As a rule, paramedics should only use police escorts:
Correct — D. Police escorts during an emergency response can be dangerous and should be used sparingly. As a rule, paramedics should use escorts <strong>only</strong> <strong>when the EMS crew is responding to a scene in an unfamiliar area</strong>. Even then the EMS driver should keep a safe distance between the ambulance and the escort. -
Paramedic
Which of the following is the FIRST step in providing emergency resuscitation to a newly born?
Correct — A. The first step in emergency resuscitation of a newly born is to provide warmth. If the child does not begin breathing on his or her own, then clear the airway. -
Paramedic
Which of the following is an immediate or early sign and/or symptom that can indicate pulmonary hypertension?
Correct — D. Atelectasis is the lack of gas exchange and is an early stage. C and D are later stage symptoms. -
Paramedic
The weakened area of a lung which collapses, allowing air into the pleural cavity, is known as which of the following?
Correct — C. A bleb is a weakened area of the lung which collapses and allows air into the pleural cavity. This leads to spontaneous pneumothorax. -
Paramedic
When assessing a patient, you notice that the patient has difficulties breathing, they are sweating excessively, coughing up blood, orthopnea, pink frothy sputum, and appear to have signs of anxiety.<br/><br/>Which of the following conditions is present in the patient?
Correct — D. Pulmonary edema contains the symptoms listed above. Pneumonia is similar, except that the sputum is, in most cases, green or yellow. -
Paramedic
A patient with no known prior history is complaining of difficulty breathing. Your assessment reveals wheezing in all lung fields. The difference between this patient and a patient with a known history is that a patient with
Correct — D. When the paramedic is treating a patient with a known history, that patient will more than likely have a prescription medication. The paramedic may assist that patient in taking his or her medication, therefore beginning the treatment process. <br/><br/>In a patient with no known history, there is no medication on hand to assist the patient, and the paramedic should, in this case, administer oxygen and transport the patient to definitive care. -
Paramedic
For gas to flow into the lungs, a pressure gradient is required. The pressure of the gas in the alveoli is which of the following?
Correct — B. A pressure gradient is produced by differences between atmospheric pressure, intrapulmonic pressure, and intrathoracic pressure (also known as intrapleural pressure). <strong>Intrapulmonic pressure</strong> is the pressure of the gas in the alveoli. Depending on the size of the thorax, this pressure varies a little above and below 760 mm Hg. -
Paramedic
Endotracheal intubation is the method of directly placing a tube into the trachea. What is the purpose of this procedure?
Correct — C. In cases where patients experience difficulty breathing, particularly in trauma situations, a medical professional may conduct an endotracheal intubation to maintain clear airways and facilitate respiration. -
Paramedic
Which of the following is not a correct instrument to confirm correct tube placement in performing an intubation?
Correct — D. A laryngoscope is not used in determining that the intubation placement is correct. It is used mainly in the operating room. -
Paramedic
Which of the following situations can make performing a lighted stylet intubation difficult?
Correct — C. A lighted stylet intubation is the process of inserting an intubation tube using a lighted stylet as a guide. It guides the tube into the trachea by trans-illuminating the soft tissues in the throat. However, if the patient has recently vomited, the pathway to the trachea (mouth, throat, larynx), could be filled with fluid and debris, making it difficult for the tube to follow the light source into the trachea. -
Paramedic
Which of the following conditions gradually impairs blood flow to the heart by obstructing coronary arteries with calcium and fat build-ups?
Correct — D. Chest pain is often caused by atherosclerosis, which is the underlying factor in most cases of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cardiac ischemia.<br/><br/>When calcium and fat particles clog the coronary arteries, blood flow to the heart decreases, leading to ischemia as the heart cells receive insufficient oxygen.<br/><br/>Without medical intervention, this condition will deteriorate, potentially leading to a myocardial infarction. -
Paramedic
The protective covering that surrounds the heart is known as
Correct — A. The pericardium is the outermost layer out of the other 3 choices. -
Paramedic
A heart rate that is faster than normal (>100 per minute in an adult) is called which of the following?
Correct — D. A heart rate that is faster than normal (>100 per minute in an adult) is called <strong>tachycardia</strong>. Tachycardia can be caused by anxiety, fear, pain, blood loss, dehydration, fever, hypoxia, heart failure, caffeine or other stimulants, or cardiac dysrhythmia.
Paramedic sample questions
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Paramedic A patient with no known prior history is complaining of difficulty breathing. Your assessment reveals wheezing in all lung fields. The difference between this patient and a patient with a known history is that a patient with
A. a known history does not require any sort of physical examination.
B. no known history will generally respond better to oxygen.
C. a known history will not need ambulance transport.
D. no known history has no prescribed medication you could assist in administering. ✓
Correct — D. When the paramedic is treating a patient with a known history, that patient will more than likely have a prescription medication. The paramedic may assist that patient in taking his or her medication, therefore beginning the treatment process. <br/><br/>In a patient with no known history, there is no medication on hand to assist the patient, and the paramedic should, in this case, administer oxygen and transport the patient to definitive care.
Paramedic For gas to flow into the lungs, a pressure gradient is required. The pressure of the gas in the alveoli is which of the following?
A. intrapleural pressure
B. intrapulmonic pressure ✓
C. atmospheric pressure
D. intrathoracic pressure
Correct — B. A pressure gradient is produced by differences between atmospheric pressure, intrapulmonic pressure, and intrathoracic pressure (also known as intrapleural pressure). <strong>Intrapulmonic pressure</strong> is the pressure of the gas in the alveoli. Depending on the size of the thorax, this pressure varies a little above and below 760 mm Hg.
Paramedic Endotracheal intubation is the method of directly placing a tube into the trachea. What is the purpose of this procedure?
A. Keep the patient quiet.
B. Reducing effort needed from the patient.
C. Maintain an open airway for breathing. ✓
D. Maintaining nutrition in the patient.
Correct — C. In cases where patients experience difficulty breathing, particularly in trauma situations, a medical professional may conduct an endotracheal intubation to maintain clear airways and facilitate respiration.
Paramedic Which of the following is not a correct instrument to confirm correct tube placement in performing an intubation?
A. Colorimetric end tidal CO2 detector
B. Pulse oximetry
C. Waveform capnography
D. A laryngoscope ✓
Correct — D. A laryngoscope is not used in determining that the intubation placement is correct. It is used mainly in the operating room.
Paramedic Which of the following situations can make performing a lighted stylet intubation difficult?
A. The lighted stylet is too bright.
B. The patient is asleep.
C. The patient recently vomited. ✓
D. The room is not dark enough to see the stylet.
Correct — C. A lighted stylet intubation is the process of inserting an intubation tube using a lighted stylet as a guide. It guides the tube into the trachea by trans-illuminating the soft tissues in the throat. However, if the patient has recently vomited, the pathway to the trachea (mouth, throat, larynx), could be filled with fluid and debris, making it difficult for the tube to follow the light source into the trachea.
Paramedic Which of the following conditions gradually impairs blood flow to the heart by obstructing coronary arteries with calcium and fat build-ups?
A. Ischemia
B. Angina pectoris
C. Myocardial infarction
D. Atherosclerosis ✓
Correct — D. Chest pain is often caused by atherosclerosis, which is the underlying factor in most cases of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cardiac ischemia.<br/><br/>When calcium and fat particles clog the coronary arteries, blood flow to the heart decreases, leading to ischemia as the heart cells receive insufficient oxygen.<br/><br/>Without medical intervention, this condition will deteriorate, potentially leading to a myocardial infarction.
Paramedic The protective covering that surrounds the heart is known as
A. Pericardium ✓
B. Myocardium
C. Endocardium
D. Septum
Correct — A. The pericardium is the outermost layer out of the other 3 choices.
Paramedic A heart rate that is faster than normal (>100 per minute in an adult) is called which of the following?
A. bradycardia
B. syncopal episode
C. vasovagal bradycardia
D. tachycardia ✓
Correct — D. A heart rate that is faster than normal (>100 per minute in an adult) is called <strong>tachycardia</strong>. Tachycardia can be caused by anxiety, fear, pain, blood loss, dehydration, fever, hypoxia, heart failure, caffeine or other stimulants, or cardiac dysrhythmia.
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Safe and effective care environment
Health promotion and maintenance
Psychosocial and physiological integrity
Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
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