OB/Pediatric EMT FISDAP Comprehensive Study Guide,
Emergency Medical Technician Exam Preparation Notes,
High-Yield Obstetric and Pediatric Emergency Care Review
Manual, Practice Questions and Skills Assessment Resource
for EMT Certification Success
Question 1: A 3-day-old newborn is brought to your EMS station by anxious parents who report
the infant "isn't feeding well and feels warm." The baby is lethargic, has a rectal temperature of
100.8°F (38.2°C), and shows mild retractions. As an EMT, what is your MOST appropriate
immediate action?
A. Administer infant acetaminophen per parental instructions
B. Perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment and prepare for immediate transport
C. Advise the parents to offer small amounts of formula and recheck temperature in 30 minutes
D. Apply tepid sponging to reduce fever before deciding on transport
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment and prepare for immediate
transport
Rationale: Neonates under 28 days with fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) are at high risk for serious
bacterial infection and require urgent evaluation. EMTs must prioritize rapid assessment and
transport; fever management or home advice is outside scope and delays critical care. Lethargy
and retractions further indicate potential sepsis or respiratory compromise.
Question 2: During delivery of a full-term newborn, you note the baby is pink centrally but blue
in the extremities, has a heart rate of 90 bpm, grimaces to stimulation, has some flexion of
extremities, and has slow, irregular breathing. What APGAR score would you assign at 1
minute?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 6
Rationale: APGAR components: Appearance (acrocyanosis = 1), Pulse (<100 bpm = 1), Grimace
(grimace = 1), Activity (some flexion = 1), Respiration (slow/irregular = 1). Total = 5? Wait—
recheck: Heart rate 90 = 1 point (not 2), respirations slow/irregular = 1, muscle tone some
flexion = 1, reflex irritability grimace = 1, color acrocyanosis = 1. Total = 5. But 5 isn't an option.
Let me reconstruct accurately: Standard APGAR: 0-2 per category. Pink centrally/blue
extremities = acrocyanosis = 1 point. HR 90 = <100 = 1 point. Grimaces to stimulation = 1 point.
Some flexion = 1 point. Slow irregular breathing = 1 point. Total = 5. Since 5 isn't listed, I must
,OB/Pediatric EMT FISDAP Comprehensive Study Guide,
Emergency Medical Technician Exam Preparation Notes,
High-Yield Obstetric and Pediatric Emergency Care Review
Manual, Practice Questions and Skills Assessment Resource
for EMT Certification Success
adjust the scenario to match an option. Revised scenario for accuracy: Let me rewrite Q2
properly.
Let me regenerate Question 2 with accurate APGAR alignment:
Question 2: A newborn at 1 minute of life is completely pink, has a heart rate of 110 bpm, cries
vigorously when stimulated, actively moves all extremities, and has strong, regular respirations.
What APGAR score should the EMT document?
A. 7
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 10
Rationale: Each APGAR category (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) scores 2
points for optimal findings. This newborn meets all criteria for 2 points per category: pink all
over (2), HR >100 (2), vigorous cry (2), active motion (2), strong regular breathing (2). Total = 10.
EMTs use APGAR to guide newborn care and communicate status to receiving facilities.
Question 3: You are caring for a 4-year-old child with severe respiratory distress. Which finding
is the MOST ominous sign of impending respiratory failure?
A. Nasal flaring and intercostal retractions
B. Heart rate of 140 bpm
C. Agitation followed by lethargy
D. Oxygen saturation of 92% on room air
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Agitation followed by lethargy
Rationale: In pediatric respiratory distress, agitation indicates hypoxia; progression to lethargy
suggests cerebral hypoxia and imminent respiratory arrest. While nasal flaring, tachycardia, and
mild desaturation are concerning, altered mental status is the most critical indicator of failure
requiring immediate intervention (e.g., ventilatory support). EMTs must recognize this
deterioration pattern.
, OB/Pediatric EMT FISDAP Comprehensive Study Guide,
Emergency Medical Technician Exam Preparation Notes,
High-Yield Obstetric and Pediatric Emergency Care Review
Manual, Practice Questions and Skills Assessment Resource
for EMT Certification Success
Question 4: A pregnant patient at 38 weeks gestation reports sudden, painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding. Her abdomen is soft and nontender. Vital signs show tachycardia and mild
hypotension. Which obstetric emergency should the EMT suspect MOST?
A. Placental abruption
B. Uterine rupture
C. Placenta previa
D. Ectopic pregnancy
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Placenta previa
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is classic for placenta
previa (placenta covers cervical os). Abruption typically presents with painful, dark bleeding and
a rigid uterus. Uterine rupture is rare and associated with prior C-section and severe pain.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs early in gestation. EMTs must avoid vaginal exams, position patient
left-lateral, and transport rapidly.
Question 5: When assessing a 6-month-old infant with fever, which method provides the MOST
accurate core temperature for clinical decision-making?
A. Temporal artery scan
B. Axillary digital thermometer
C. Rectal digital thermometer
D. Forehead touch assessment
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Rectal digital thermometer
Rationale: For infants under 1 year, rectal temperature is the gold standard for accuracy in
prehospital care. Temporal and axillary methods may underestimate fever; forehead touch is
unreliable. Accurate temperature guides urgency of transport and communication with medical
control. EMTs must use appropriate technique to avoid injury.
Question 6: A 2-year-old child is having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 4 minutes. The
child has a history of fever. After ensuring scene safety and positioning, what is the EMT's NEXT
priority?
A. Administer prescribed rectal diazepam if available per protocol
Emergency Medical Technician Exam Preparation Notes,
High-Yield Obstetric and Pediatric Emergency Care Review
Manual, Practice Questions and Skills Assessment Resource
for EMT Certification Success
Question 1: A 3-day-old newborn is brought to your EMS station by anxious parents who report
the infant "isn't feeding well and feels warm." The baby is lethargic, has a rectal temperature of
100.8°F (38.2°C), and shows mild retractions. As an EMT, what is your MOST appropriate
immediate action?
A. Administer infant acetaminophen per parental instructions
B. Perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment and prepare for immediate transport
C. Advise the parents to offer small amounts of formula and recheck temperature in 30 minutes
D. Apply tepid sponging to reduce fever before deciding on transport
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment and prepare for immediate
transport
Rationale: Neonates under 28 days with fever ≥100.4°F (38°C) are at high risk for serious
bacterial infection and require urgent evaluation. EMTs must prioritize rapid assessment and
transport; fever management or home advice is outside scope and delays critical care. Lethargy
and retractions further indicate potential sepsis or respiratory compromise.
Question 2: During delivery of a full-term newborn, you note the baby is pink centrally but blue
in the extremities, has a heart rate of 90 bpm, grimaces to stimulation, has some flexion of
extremities, and has slow, irregular breathing. What APGAR score would you assign at 1
minute?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 6
Rationale: APGAR components: Appearance (acrocyanosis = 1), Pulse (<100 bpm = 1), Grimace
(grimace = 1), Activity (some flexion = 1), Respiration (slow/irregular = 1). Total = 5? Wait—
recheck: Heart rate 90 = 1 point (not 2), respirations slow/irregular = 1, muscle tone some
flexion = 1, reflex irritability grimace = 1, color acrocyanosis = 1. Total = 5. But 5 isn't an option.
Let me reconstruct accurately: Standard APGAR: 0-2 per category. Pink centrally/blue
extremities = acrocyanosis = 1 point. HR 90 = <100 = 1 point. Grimaces to stimulation = 1 point.
Some flexion = 1 point. Slow irregular breathing = 1 point. Total = 5. Since 5 isn't listed, I must
,OB/Pediatric EMT FISDAP Comprehensive Study Guide,
Emergency Medical Technician Exam Preparation Notes,
High-Yield Obstetric and Pediatric Emergency Care Review
Manual, Practice Questions and Skills Assessment Resource
for EMT Certification Success
adjust the scenario to match an option. Revised scenario for accuracy: Let me rewrite Q2
properly.
Let me regenerate Question 2 with accurate APGAR alignment:
Question 2: A newborn at 1 minute of life is completely pink, has a heart rate of 110 bpm, cries
vigorously when stimulated, actively moves all extremities, and has strong, regular respirations.
What APGAR score should the EMT document?
A. 7
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 10
Rationale: Each APGAR category (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) scores 2
points for optimal findings. This newborn meets all criteria for 2 points per category: pink all
over (2), HR >100 (2), vigorous cry (2), active motion (2), strong regular breathing (2). Total = 10.
EMTs use APGAR to guide newborn care and communicate status to receiving facilities.
Question 3: You are caring for a 4-year-old child with severe respiratory distress. Which finding
is the MOST ominous sign of impending respiratory failure?
A. Nasal flaring and intercostal retractions
B. Heart rate of 140 bpm
C. Agitation followed by lethargy
D. Oxygen saturation of 92% on room air
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Agitation followed by lethargy
Rationale: In pediatric respiratory distress, agitation indicates hypoxia; progression to lethargy
suggests cerebral hypoxia and imminent respiratory arrest. While nasal flaring, tachycardia, and
mild desaturation are concerning, altered mental status is the most critical indicator of failure
requiring immediate intervention (e.g., ventilatory support). EMTs must recognize this
deterioration pattern.
, OB/Pediatric EMT FISDAP Comprehensive Study Guide,
Emergency Medical Technician Exam Preparation Notes,
High-Yield Obstetric and Pediatric Emergency Care Review
Manual, Practice Questions and Skills Assessment Resource
for EMT Certification Success
Question 4: A pregnant patient at 38 weeks gestation reports sudden, painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding. Her abdomen is soft and nontender. Vital signs show tachycardia and mild
hypotension. Which obstetric emergency should the EMT suspect MOST?
A. Placental abruption
B. Uterine rupture
C. Placenta previa
D. Ectopic pregnancy
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Placenta previa
Rationale: Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester is classic for placenta
previa (placenta covers cervical os). Abruption typically presents with painful, dark bleeding and
a rigid uterus. Uterine rupture is rare and associated with prior C-section and severe pain.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs early in gestation. EMTs must avoid vaginal exams, position patient
left-lateral, and transport rapidly.
Question 5: When assessing a 6-month-old infant with fever, which method provides the MOST
accurate core temperature for clinical decision-making?
A. Temporal artery scan
B. Axillary digital thermometer
C. Rectal digital thermometer
D. Forehead touch assessment
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Rectal digital thermometer
Rationale: For infants under 1 year, rectal temperature is the gold standard for accuracy in
prehospital care. Temporal and axillary methods may underestimate fever; forehead touch is
unreliable. Accurate temperature guides urgency of transport and communication with medical
control. EMTs must use appropriate technique to avoid injury.
Question 6: A 2-year-old child is having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting 4 minutes. The
child has a history of fever. After ensuring scene safety and positioning, what is the EMT's NEXT
priority?
A. Administer prescribed rectal diazepam if available per protocol
