Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
AEMT Protocols Exam 2026 | Advanced
Emergency Medical Technician |
Prehospital Protocols & Clinical Decision-
Making | Open-Ended Q&A with Rationales
Exam Structure:
Subject: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) / Prehospital Protocols
Source: Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) AEMT Protocols Exam – 2026
Format: Open-ended questions with Correct Answers and rationales
1. Patients in shock with known adrenal insufficiency should be
administered what?
Correct Answer: The patient's own Solu-Cortef (hydrocortisone) as
prescribed
Rationale:
1. Adrenal insufficiency means the patient cannot produce adequate cortisol
during stress such as shock.
2. Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef) replaces deficient corticosteroids to
maintain blood pressure and prevent adrenal crisis.
3. The patient's own prescribed medication should be used at the dosage
directed by their physician.
2. Nitroglycerine is contraindicated for any patient having taken
Viagra or similar medication in the past 24 hours, or 48 hours for
Tadalafil, or similar.
Correct Answer: True
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Rationale:
1. PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) potentiate the vasodilatory
effects of nitroglycerin.
2. Concurrent use causes severe, prolonged hypotension that may be
unresponsive to treatment.
3. The washout period is 24 hours for sildenafil (Viagra) and 48 hours for
tadalafil (Cialis).
3. Which of the following should occur for a pregnant patient with
cord presentation?
Correct Answer:
1. Position patient on elbows and knees with hips elevated
2. Wrap cord and keep it moist
3. Insert gloved hand to lift baby off cord
4. Obtain and document cord pulse
Rationale:
1. Knee-chest position with hips elevated uses gravity to reduce pressure
on the cord from the presenting part.
2. Keeping the cord moist prevents drying and vasospasm, preserving blood
flow.
3. Lifting the baby off the cord relieves compression and restores circulation.
4. Documenting cord pulse provides baseline data for ongoing fetal
assessment.
4. In order to treat a hyperkalemic patient, the patient must be
suspected of having hyperkalemia, EKG findings consistent with
hyperkalemia, and hemodynamic instability.
Correct Answer: True
Rationale:
1. Hyperkalemia treatment carries risks; therefore, all three criteria must be
met before intervention.
2. EKG findings include peaked T waves, widened QRS, and sine wave pattern.
3. Hemodynamic instability (hypotension, dysrhythmias) indicates severe
hyperkalemia requiring emergent treatment.
5. For a traumatic cardiac arrest, what interventions must be
performed prior to considering terminating resuscitation efforts?
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Correct Answer:
1. Open airway with basic life support measures
2. Provide effective ventilation with 100% oxygenation for two (2)
minutes
3. Perform bilateral needle thoracentesis if tension pneumothorax
suspected
Rationale:
1. Airway patency is the first priority in any resuscitation, including
traumatic arrest.
2. Two minutes of effective ventilation with 100% oxygen addresses reversible
causes of hypoxia.
3. Tension pneumothorax is a reversible cause of traumatic arrest requiring
immediate decompression.
6. Where should stable patients be transported?
Correct Answer: To a hospital of their choice
Rationale:
1. Stable patients have the right to choose their destination hospital under
patient autonomy principles.
2. EMS protocols prioritize patient preference when clinical stability allows.
3. This respects patient rights while ensuring appropriate care.
7. What is the northern border for St. Rose Dominican - Siena
Campus's trauma catchment area?
Correct Answer: Sunset
Rationale:
1. Trauma catchment areas define which hospital receives trauma patients
based on geographic location.
2. Sunset Road serves as the northern boundary for Siena Campus trauma
designation.
3. EMS providers must know catchment borders for proper destination
decisions.
8. What is the eastern border for St. Rose Dominican - Siena Campus's
trauma catchment area?
Correct Answer: County Border