Exam 2026/2027 with Detailed Rationales
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Q1: During the primary assessment of an unresponsive trauma patient, the EMT notes snoring
respirations. What is the priority intervention?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway
B. Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 LPM
C. Perform a head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway [CORRECT]
D. Immediately begin bag-valve-mask ventilations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because snoring respirations indicate upper airway obstruction from the tongue,
and the head tilt-chin lift is the first maneuver to establish a patent airway before adjuncts are
considered.
Q2: A 62-year-old patient presents with crushing chest pain, diaphoresis, and nausea. The blood
pressure is 88/60 mmHg. What is the priority action before administering nitroglycerin?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B. Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
C. Ensure systolic blood pressure is at least 90 mmHg [CORRECT]
D. Have the patient chew 324 mg of aspirin immediately
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because nitroglycerin causes vasodilation and can further drop blood pressure;
contraindicated if systolic BP is below 90 mmHg or drops by 30 mmHg from baseline.
Q3: In the START triage system, a patient who is ambulatory, has a respiratory rate of 24, and a
radial pulse present is classified as what priority?
,A. Immediate (Red)
B. Delayed (Yellow)
C. Minor (Green) [CORRECT]
D. Deceased (Black)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because ambulatory patients who can walk are automatically categorized as
Minor (Green) in START triage regardless of other findings, as they have the lowest priority for
immediate transport.
Q4: What is the proper compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR when performed by a single
rescuer?
A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations
B. 30 compressions to 1 ventilation
C. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations [CORRECT]
D. 15 compressions to 1 ventilation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because current AHA guidelines specify a 30:2 ratio for single-rescuer adult
CPR to maximize coronary perfusion pressure while providing adequate oxygenation.
Q5: An 8-month-old infant is in respiratory distress with stridor, drooling, and tripod positioning. The
parent states the child had a sudden onset of fever after playing with small toys. What condition
should the EMT suspect?
A. Asthma exacerbation
B. Bronchiolitis
C. Epiglottitis [CORRECT]
D. Croup
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the sudden onset of high fever, drooling, tripod positioning, and stridor
in a non-immunized or susceptible infant is characteristic of epiglottitis, a true airway emergency.
Q6: A patient with a history of COPD presents with respiratory distress and an SpO2 of 84%. What
is the most appropriate oxygen delivery device?
A. Non-rebreather mask at 15 LPM
B. Simple face mask at 10 LPM
C. Nasal cannula at 2 LPM titrated to 88-92% SpO2 [CORRECT]
D. Bag-valve-mask with 100% oxygen
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Correct because COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive for respiration; high-flow oxygen
can cause respiratory depression, so titrated low-flow oxygen to maintain 88-92% is the standard of
care.
Q7: During a motor vehicle collision scene size-up, the EMT observes a downed power line
contacting the vehicle. What is the priority action?
A. Begin patient extrication immediately
B. Request a fire department response
C. Establish a safe perimeter and await utility company confirmation [CORRECT]
D. Approach the vehicle to assess patient status
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because downed power lines present an immediate electrocution hazard; the
scene is unsafe until the utility company confirms the line is de-energized.
Q8: What is the normal range for end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) in a spontaneously breathing adult
patient?
A. 15-25 mmHg
B. 25-35 mmHg
C. 35-45 mmHg [CORRECT]
D. 45-55 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the normal EtCO2 range for a spontaneously breathing adult is 35-45
mmHg, and values outside this range indicate ventilatory or perfusion abnormalities.
Q9: A 24-year-old patient was stung by a bee and develops diffuse hives, wheezing, and
hypotension. What is the first-line medication and route?
A. Diphenhydramine 50 mg IV
B. Methylprednisolone 125 mg IM
C. Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM via auto-injector in the anterolateral thigh [CORRECT]
D. Albuterol nebulizer treatment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, and the
recommended adult dose is 0.3 mg IM in the anterolateral thigh for rapid absorption and
vasoconstriction.
Q10: In the Pediatric Assessment Triangle, which component evaluates work of breathing?
A. Appearance
B. Circulation to skin
, C. Work of breathing [CORRECT]
D. Level of consciousness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the Pediatric Assessment Triangle consists of Appearance, Work of
Breathing, and Circulation to Skin, with work of breathing assessed by observing retractions, nasal
flaring, and positioning.
Q11: What is the proper needle insertion site for decompressing a tension pneumothorax?
A. Fourth intercostal space, anterior axillary line
B. Third intercostal space, midclavicular line
C. Second intercostal space, midclavicular line [CORRECT]
D. Fifth intercostal space, midaxillary line
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because needle decompression for tension pneumothorax is performed at the
second intercostal space on the midclavicular line, above the rib to avoid neurovascular bundles.
Q12: A patient with a history of diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose reading of 38
mg/dL. The patient has an intact gag reflex. What is the appropriate intervention?
A. Start an IV and administer 25 g dextrose IV push
B. Administer glucagon 1 mg IM
C. Apply oral glucose paste between the cheek and gum [CORRECT]
D. Administer naloxone 2 mg IN
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because an unconscious patient with an intact gag reflex can receive buccal
glucose; oral glucose is contraindicated only if the gag reflex is absent or the patient cannot
swallow.
Q13: Which of the following is a component of Cushing's triad, indicating increased intracranial
pressure?
A. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
B. Bradycardia, hypotension, and irregular respirations
C. Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations [CORRECT]
D. Tachycardia, hypertension, and bradypnea
Correct Answer: C