NREMT Cardiology & Resuscitation Exam 2026 | Emergency
Medical Response Practice Questions & Verified Answers
1. Given the patient's symptoms and vital signs, what would be the most appropriate
initial intervention before transport?
assist with the administration of nitroglycerin
perform CPR
administer oxygen by NRB
ADMINISTER OXYGEN BY NASAL CANNULA
2. Based on the patient's symptoms and history, explain why acute myocardial
infarction is a likely suspicion in this case.
The patient's age and lack of medical history rule out serious
conditions.
THE PATIENT'S LEFT-SIDED CHEST PAIN, SMOKING HISTORY, AND VITAL
SIGNS SUGGEST A RISK FOR ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.
The patient's fine crackles indicate a respiratory issue unrelated to
cardiac problems.
The patient's vital signs are normal, indicating no immediate
concern.
3. An unresponsive 20-year-old male is taking occasional, gasping breaths. You are unable to
palpate a carotid pulse. His skin is cyanotic, and his pupils are pinpoint. What should you
do first?
Attach the AED and analyze his rhythm.
Administer naloxone.
BEGIN CHEST COMPRESSIONS.
Ventilate him.
,4. If the patient's condition worsens and he becomes unresponsive, what should be your
next action based on the initial assessment?
place the patient in a sitting position to ease breathing
administer intravenous fluids immediately
CALL FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND BEGIN CPR IF
NECESSARY
continue monitoring vital signs without intervention
5. A 49-year-old male complains of left-sided chest pain. He tells you it started an hour ago
and has been constantly 4 out of 10. He denies any past medical history. He has a 38
pack-year smoking history. You auscultate fine crackles in his lower lungs. His vital signs
are P 96, R 16, BP 154/96, and SpO2 is 96% on room air. You should suspect:
Lung cancer.
ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.
Prinzmetal's angina.
Emphysema.
6. A 56-year-old obese male reports left-sided chest pain that started when he was walking
his dog. The patient describes the pain as 'pressure' that has persisted for over an hour.
He is short of breath and feels like he's sweating more than usual. The patient explains
these episodes have happened before and usually improve with rest. He smoked 1.5
packs of cigarettes per day for 25 years but quit two months ago. He denies drug or
alcohol use. A physical exam shows a pulse of 110 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of
18 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 188/96. What is the most likely diagnosis?
ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
Aortic dissection
, Pulmonary embolism
Esophageal rupture
7. Interpret the significance of the patient's SpO2 level of 95% on room air in the context of
her chest pain.
The SpO2 level of 95% indicates the patient is experiencing a
myocardial infarction.
The SpO2 level of 95% suggests the patient is in respiratory
distress.
THE SPO2 LEVEL OF 95% INDICATES THAT THE PATIENT HAS ADEQUATE
OXYGEN SATURATION DESPITE HER CHEST PAIN.
The SpO2 level of 95% means the patient requires immediate
intubation.
8. Describe the significance of the patient's vital signs in determining the appropriate
emergency response.
The patient's respiratory rate is too high, requiring oxygen
administration.
The patient's low heart rate indicates a need for immediate CPR.
The patient's SpO2 level indicates she is in respiratory distress.
THE PATIENT'S ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE AND STABLE OXYGEN
SATURATION SUGGEST A NEED FOR CAREFUL MONITORING AND POSSIBLE
TRANSPORT RATHER THAN IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION.
9. A 50-year-old male has a new onset of palpitations in his chest. He denies pain or
difficulty breathing. He has a history of smoking and hypertension. You auscultate coarse
crackles scattered in his lower lungs. His vital signs are P 116 and irregular, R 14, BP 148/92,
and SpO2 is 95% on room air. You should:
Administer oxygen by nasal cannula.
, Administer oxygen by non-rebreather mask.
Assist with the administration of nitroglycerin.
TRANSPORT HIM.
10. Why is it important to maintain oxygen saturation levels between 94%-99% during
oxygen administration in patients with chest pain?
To prevent the need for further medical intervention.
To ensure complete oxygen saturation at all times.
TO REDUCE PRODUCTION OF FREE RADICALS AND PREVENT POTENTIAL
COMPLICATIONS.
To increase blood pressure and improve circulation.
11. After ROSC, a patient has a SpO2 of 100%. Why should you titrate oxygen
administration to an SpO2 between 94-99%?
To reduce intrathoracic pressure
To increase respiratory rate
To increase cardiac output
TO REDUCE PRODUCTION OF FREE RADICALS
12. You are attending to a person who is unresponsive, gasping, but you can clearly feel a
carotid pulse. What is the determined problem?
RESPIRATORY ARREST
Secondary cardiac arrest
Respiratory distress
Sudden cardiac arrest
,13. In a scenario where a patient presents with chest pain and is suspected of having a
myocardial infarction, what role does aspirin play in the
, emergency response?
Aspirin stabilizes the patient's blood pressure during a cardiac
event.
Aspirin provides immediate pain relief to the patient.
ASPIRIN REDUCES THE RISK OF FURTHER CLOT FORMATION, WHICH CAN
HELP MAINTAIN BLOOD FLOW TO THE HEART.
Aspirin increases heart rate to improve circulation.
14. A patient presents with dizziness upon standing and a history of heart failure. What
intervention should be prioritized to manage their orthostatic hypotension?
ASSESS AND STABILIZE BLOOD PRESSURE
Increase the patient's fluid intake immediately
Administer a diuretic to reduce fluid overload
Encourage the patient to remain seated
15. Current guidelines recommend administering oxygen to maintain a SPO2 of _.
100%
94-99%
90%
85%
16. Why may a 62-year-old male who is in cardiac arrest after drowning not have water in his
lungs?
LARYNGEAL SPASM PRIOR TO CARDIAC ARREST
Increased venous pressure after ROSC
, Bronchospasm after cardiac arrest
Reduced cardiac output during CPR
17. An 80-year-old female complains of a sudden irregular heartbeat. She tells you she
feels weak and nauseated. Her vital signs are P 128 and irregular, R 16, BP 148/92, and
SpO2 is 95% on room air. You should suspect:
cardiogenic shock
stroke
ventricular fibrillation
CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA
18. If the patient remains unresponsive after administering naloxone, what should be your
next step?
Decrease oxygen supply to the patient.
CONTINUE SUPPORTIVE CARE AND TRANSPORT TO A MEDICAL FACILITY.
Administer another dose of naloxone immediately.
Wait for the patient to regain consciousness before transporting.
19. Your patient is a 70 year-old female who had a syncopal episode (fainted). When you
question the patient she complains of mild pain in her chest and nausea. Your
assessment reveals an irregular pulse. Based on your finding, what do you suspect
may be the underlying cause of the fainting?
CVA
COPD
AMI
Dehydration
,20. Your 62-year-old patient developed a sudden onset of left-sided weakness 20 minutes
ago. She is very anxious and crying and is difficult to manage. Her vital signs are: BP,
168/100 mm Hg; P, 108 beats/min; R, 20 breaths/min; SaO2, 98%. Which of the following
interventions is most critical?
Provide oxygen 15 L/min by nonrebreather mask.
Administer nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL.
Administer diazepam 5 mg IV.
ALERT THE STROKE TEAM AND PROVIDE RAPID TRANSPORT.
21. Describe the potential risks associated with administering high concentrations of
oxygen to a patient who has just regained a pulse after cardiac arrest.
It can help in faster recovery of consciousness.
ADMINISTERING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF OXYGEN CAN LEAD TO
CELLULAR DAMAGE DUE TO THE FORMATION OF FREE RADICALS.
High concentrations of oxygen can improve the patient's
comfort and reduce anxiety.
High oxygen levels are always beneficial regardless of the
patient's condition.
22. Of all the statements below, which one best explains the purpose of administering
aspirin to a possible myocardial patient?
Aspirin will eliminate cardiac related chest pain
ASPIRIN REDUCES PLATELET AGGREGATION IN THE CORONARY ARTERIES
Aspirin reduces the risk of metabolic acidosis
Aspirin dilates the coronary arteries
23. The patient presents to the physician's office with complaints of
, weakness on the left side and changes in speech. The medical assistant
identifies the patient could be experiencing
hyperthermia.
syncope.
shock.
A STROKE.
a heart attack.
24. Describe how decreased cardiac output can lead to orthostatic hypotension.
DECREASED CARDIAC OUTPUT REDUCES THE AMOUNT OF BLOOD
AVAILABLE TO MAINTAIN BLOOD PRESSURE WHEN STANDING.
Decreased cardiac output has no effect on blood pressure.
Decreased cardiac output increases blood flow to the legs,
causing dizziness.
Decreased cardiac output leads to increased blood volume.
25. A 58-year-old male complains of dizziness and shortness of breath. He tells you he has
had flu-like symptoms all week. You observe edema in his lower legs that he tells you is
new. His lungs are clear to auscultation. His vital signs are P 108, R 18, BP 86/68, and SpO2
is 91% on room air. You should suspect:
respiratory failure
pulmonary edema
influenza
CARDIOGENIC SHOCK
26. A patient who is known to be a heroin user is found collapsed in the
Medical Response Practice Questions & Verified Answers
1. Given the patient's symptoms and vital signs, what would be the most appropriate
initial intervention before transport?
assist with the administration of nitroglycerin
perform CPR
administer oxygen by NRB
ADMINISTER OXYGEN BY NASAL CANNULA
2. Based on the patient's symptoms and history, explain why acute myocardial
infarction is a likely suspicion in this case.
The patient's age and lack of medical history rule out serious
conditions.
THE PATIENT'S LEFT-SIDED CHEST PAIN, SMOKING HISTORY, AND VITAL
SIGNS SUGGEST A RISK FOR ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.
The patient's fine crackles indicate a respiratory issue unrelated to
cardiac problems.
The patient's vital signs are normal, indicating no immediate
concern.
3. An unresponsive 20-year-old male is taking occasional, gasping breaths. You are unable to
palpate a carotid pulse. His skin is cyanotic, and his pupils are pinpoint. What should you
do first?
Attach the AED and analyze his rhythm.
Administer naloxone.
BEGIN CHEST COMPRESSIONS.
Ventilate him.
,4. If the patient's condition worsens and he becomes unresponsive, what should be your
next action based on the initial assessment?
place the patient in a sitting position to ease breathing
administer intravenous fluids immediately
CALL FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND BEGIN CPR IF
NECESSARY
continue monitoring vital signs without intervention
5. A 49-year-old male complains of left-sided chest pain. He tells you it started an hour ago
and has been constantly 4 out of 10. He denies any past medical history. He has a 38
pack-year smoking history. You auscultate fine crackles in his lower lungs. His vital signs
are P 96, R 16, BP 154/96, and SpO2 is 96% on room air. You should suspect:
Lung cancer.
ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.
Prinzmetal's angina.
Emphysema.
6. A 56-year-old obese male reports left-sided chest pain that started when he was walking
his dog. The patient describes the pain as 'pressure' that has persisted for over an hour.
He is short of breath and feels like he's sweating more than usual. The patient explains
these episodes have happened before and usually improve with rest. He smoked 1.5
packs of cigarettes per day for 25 years but quit two months ago. He denies drug or
alcohol use. A physical exam shows a pulse of 110 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of
18 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 188/96. What is the most likely diagnosis?
ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
Aortic dissection
, Pulmonary embolism
Esophageal rupture
7. Interpret the significance of the patient's SpO2 level of 95% on room air in the context of
her chest pain.
The SpO2 level of 95% indicates the patient is experiencing a
myocardial infarction.
The SpO2 level of 95% suggests the patient is in respiratory
distress.
THE SPO2 LEVEL OF 95% INDICATES THAT THE PATIENT HAS ADEQUATE
OXYGEN SATURATION DESPITE HER CHEST PAIN.
The SpO2 level of 95% means the patient requires immediate
intubation.
8. Describe the significance of the patient's vital signs in determining the appropriate
emergency response.
The patient's respiratory rate is too high, requiring oxygen
administration.
The patient's low heart rate indicates a need for immediate CPR.
The patient's SpO2 level indicates she is in respiratory distress.
THE PATIENT'S ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE AND STABLE OXYGEN
SATURATION SUGGEST A NEED FOR CAREFUL MONITORING AND POSSIBLE
TRANSPORT RATHER THAN IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION.
9. A 50-year-old male has a new onset of palpitations in his chest. He denies pain or
difficulty breathing. He has a history of smoking and hypertension. You auscultate coarse
crackles scattered in his lower lungs. His vital signs are P 116 and irregular, R 14, BP 148/92,
and SpO2 is 95% on room air. You should:
Administer oxygen by nasal cannula.
, Administer oxygen by non-rebreather mask.
Assist with the administration of nitroglycerin.
TRANSPORT HIM.
10. Why is it important to maintain oxygen saturation levels between 94%-99% during
oxygen administration in patients with chest pain?
To prevent the need for further medical intervention.
To ensure complete oxygen saturation at all times.
TO REDUCE PRODUCTION OF FREE RADICALS AND PREVENT POTENTIAL
COMPLICATIONS.
To increase blood pressure and improve circulation.
11. After ROSC, a patient has a SpO2 of 100%. Why should you titrate oxygen
administration to an SpO2 between 94-99%?
To reduce intrathoracic pressure
To increase respiratory rate
To increase cardiac output
TO REDUCE PRODUCTION OF FREE RADICALS
12. You are attending to a person who is unresponsive, gasping, but you can clearly feel a
carotid pulse. What is the determined problem?
RESPIRATORY ARREST
Secondary cardiac arrest
Respiratory distress
Sudden cardiac arrest
,13. In a scenario where a patient presents with chest pain and is suspected of having a
myocardial infarction, what role does aspirin play in the
, emergency response?
Aspirin stabilizes the patient's blood pressure during a cardiac
event.
Aspirin provides immediate pain relief to the patient.
ASPIRIN REDUCES THE RISK OF FURTHER CLOT FORMATION, WHICH CAN
HELP MAINTAIN BLOOD FLOW TO THE HEART.
Aspirin increases heart rate to improve circulation.
14. A patient presents with dizziness upon standing and a history of heart failure. What
intervention should be prioritized to manage their orthostatic hypotension?
ASSESS AND STABILIZE BLOOD PRESSURE
Increase the patient's fluid intake immediately
Administer a diuretic to reduce fluid overload
Encourage the patient to remain seated
15. Current guidelines recommend administering oxygen to maintain a SPO2 of _.
100%
94-99%
90%
85%
16. Why may a 62-year-old male who is in cardiac arrest after drowning not have water in his
lungs?
LARYNGEAL SPASM PRIOR TO CARDIAC ARREST
Increased venous pressure after ROSC
, Bronchospasm after cardiac arrest
Reduced cardiac output during CPR
17. An 80-year-old female complains of a sudden irregular heartbeat. She tells you she
feels weak and nauseated. Her vital signs are P 128 and irregular, R 16, BP 148/92, and
SpO2 is 95% on room air. You should suspect:
cardiogenic shock
stroke
ventricular fibrillation
CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA
18. If the patient remains unresponsive after administering naloxone, what should be your
next step?
Decrease oxygen supply to the patient.
CONTINUE SUPPORTIVE CARE AND TRANSPORT TO A MEDICAL FACILITY.
Administer another dose of naloxone immediately.
Wait for the patient to regain consciousness before transporting.
19. Your patient is a 70 year-old female who had a syncopal episode (fainted). When you
question the patient she complains of mild pain in her chest and nausea. Your
assessment reveals an irregular pulse. Based on your finding, what do you suspect
may be the underlying cause of the fainting?
CVA
COPD
AMI
Dehydration
,20. Your 62-year-old patient developed a sudden onset of left-sided weakness 20 minutes
ago. She is very anxious and crying and is difficult to manage. Her vital signs are: BP,
168/100 mm Hg; P, 108 beats/min; R, 20 breaths/min; SaO2, 98%. Which of the following
interventions is most critical?
Provide oxygen 15 L/min by nonrebreather mask.
Administer nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL.
Administer diazepam 5 mg IV.
ALERT THE STROKE TEAM AND PROVIDE RAPID TRANSPORT.
21. Describe the potential risks associated with administering high concentrations of
oxygen to a patient who has just regained a pulse after cardiac arrest.
It can help in faster recovery of consciousness.
ADMINISTERING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF OXYGEN CAN LEAD TO
CELLULAR DAMAGE DUE TO THE FORMATION OF FREE RADICALS.
High concentrations of oxygen can improve the patient's
comfort and reduce anxiety.
High oxygen levels are always beneficial regardless of the
patient's condition.
22. Of all the statements below, which one best explains the purpose of administering
aspirin to a possible myocardial patient?
Aspirin will eliminate cardiac related chest pain
ASPIRIN REDUCES PLATELET AGGREGATION IN THE CORONARY ARTERIES
Aspirin reduces the risk of metabolic acidosis
Aspirin dilates the coronary arteries
23. The patient presents to the physician's office with complaints of
, weakness on the left side and changes in speech. The medical assistant
identifies the patient could be experiencing
hyperthermia.
syncope.
shock.
A STROKE.
a heart attack.
24. Describe how decreased cardiac output can lead to orthostatic hypotension.
DECREASED CARDIAC OUTPUT REDUCES THE AMOUNT OF BLOOD
AVAILABLE TO MAINTAIN BLOOD PRESSURE WHEN STANDING.
Decreased cardiac output has no effect on blood pressure.
Decreased cardiac output increases blood flow to the legs,
causing dizziness.
Decreased cardiac output leads to increased blood volume.
25. A 58-year-old male complains of dizziness and shortness of breath. He tells you he has
had flu-like symptoms all week. You observe edema in his lower legs that he tells you is
new. His lungs are clear to auscultation. His vital signs are P 108, R 18, BP 86/68, and SpO2
is 91% on room air. You should suspect:
respiratory failure
pulmonary edema
influenza
CARDIOGENIC SHOCK
26. A patient who is known to be a heroin user is found collapsed in the
