1
OB EMT FISDAP Exam Test Bank – 2025/2026 | 100
Questions & Rationales | Emergency Childbirth & Obstetric
Care Practice
Question 1: THIRD-TRIMESTER BLEEDING
A 29-year-old woman who is 34 weeks pregnant reports sudden, painless vaginal
bleeding. She is pale, anxious, and denies abdominal pain or trauma. Vitals: HR
122, BP 100/64, RR 20.
What is the most likely complication you should suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Uterine rupture
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: A. Placenta previa
Rationale:
Placenta previa typically presents in the third trimester with painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding. It occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the
cervical os. Unlike abruptio placentae or uterine rupture, placenta previa does not
cause abdominal pain or uterine tenderness. EMS must avoid internal exams and
transport the patient in a position of comfort with oxygen support.
Question 2: PRE-ECLAMPSIA SIGNS
A 24-year-old woman, 36 weeks pregnant, complains of headache, blurred vision,
and swelling in her hands and feet. BP is 158/104.
, 2
What obstetric complication is most likely occurring?
A. Eclampsia
B. Preeclampsia
C. Hyperemesis gravidarum
D. Placental insufficiency
Correct Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale:
Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension after 20 weeks gestation, often
with symptoms like headache, vision disturbances, and edema. If untreated, it
may progress to eclampsia (seizures). Early EMS recognition and transport to a
facility with OB capabilities are critical. Blood pressure control and seizure
prevention are priorities in hospital care.
Question 3: ECLAMPSIA SEIZURE
EMS responds to a 32-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation actively seizing. She
has a history of high BP during this pregnancy. Bystanders say she suddenly
stiffened and began convulsing.
What should be your first priority?
A. Administer oral glucose
B. Insert a bite block
C. Protect the airway and provide high-flow oxygen
D. Restrain the patient to stop the seizure
Correct Answer: C. Protect the airway and provide high-flow oxygen
Rationale:
Eclampsia involves seizures due to severe hypertensive crisis in pregnancy.
EMS should ensure scene safety, protect the patient from injury, maintain airway
and oxygenation, and prepare for transport. Restraints and bite blocks are
contraindicated. ALS providers may administer magnesium sulfate or
benzodiazepines if within protocol.
, 3
Question 4: ABRUPTIO PLACENTAE
A 35-year-old woman, 30 weeks pregnant, presents with severe abdominal pain,
dark vaginal bleeding, and a rigid, tender uterus. BP is 90/58, HR 130.
What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
A. Preeclampsia
B. Placenta previa
C. Abruptio placentae
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: C. Abruptio placentae
Rationale:
Abruptio placentae involves premature detachment of the placenta from the
uterine wall, causing painful bleeding, uterine tenderness, and potential shock.
This condition is life-threatening to both mother and fetus. EMS should manage for
hypovolemic shock, position the mother on her left side, and initiate rapid transport
with ALS support.
Question 5: MECONIUM-STAINED AMNIOTIC FLUID
During delivery, EMS observes green-stained amniotic fluid. The newborn is
limp and not crying.
What is the priority intervention?
A. Immediate suctioning before stimulation
B. Rub the back and stimulate the baby
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Delay care until the hospital
Correct Answer: A. Immediate suctioning before stimulation
Rationale:
Meconium-stained fluid may indicate fetal distress. If the newborn is not vigorous
(limp, poor respiratory effort), EMS must suction the airway immediately before
stimulation to prevent aspiration into the lungs. Stimulation without suction may
worsen respiratory compromise. BVM support may follow if the infant does not
improve.
, 4
Question 6: NORMAL VS ABNORMAL CONTRACTIONS
A woman in active labor reports contractions every 2 minutes, each lasting over
90 seconds. She complains of severe, constant pain.
What should EMS suspect?
A. Normal labor
B. Uterine rupture
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Precipitous labor
Correct Answer: B. Uterine rupture
Rationale:
Prolonged, intense contractions with constant pain and signs of fetal distress
may indicate a uterine rupture, especially in patients with prior cesarean sections.
This is a life-threatening OB emergency. EMS must initiate rapid transport, oxygen
therapy, and notify the receiving facility. Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labor
contractions are regular and not associated with constant pain.
Question 7: SUPINE HYPOTENSIVE SYNDROME
A pregnant woman in her third trimester becomes dizzy and hypotensive after
lying supine during assessment.
What is the appropriate EMS action?
A. Administer IV fluids and trendelenburg position
B. Place her in full Fowler’s position
C. Position her on her left side
D. Perform chest compressions
Correct Answer: C. Position her on her left side
Rationale:
Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the
inferior vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output. EMS should
OB EMT FISDAP Exam Test Bank – 2025/2026 | 100
Questions & Rationales | Emergency Childbirth & Obstetric
Care Practice
Question 1: THIRD-TRIMESTER BLEEDING
A 29-year-old woman who is 34 weeks pregnant reports sudden, painless vaginal
bleeding. She is pale, anxious, and denies abdominal pain or trauma. Vitals: HR
122, BP 100/64, RR 20.
What is the most likely complication you should suspect?
A. Placenta previa
B. Abruptio placentae
C. Uterine rupture
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: A. Placenta previa
Rationale:
Placenta previa typically presents in the third trimester with painless, bright red
vaginal bleeding. It occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the
cervical os. Unlike abruptio placentae or uterine rupture, placenta previa does not
cause abdominal pain or uterine tenderness. EMS must avoid internal exams and
transport the patient in a position of comfort with oxygen support.
Question 2: PRE-ECLAMPSIA SIGNS
A 24-year-old woman, 36 weeks pregnant, complains of headache, blurred vision,
and swelling in her hands and feet. BP is 158/104.
, 2
What obstetric complication is most likely occurring?
A. Eclampsia
B. Preeclampsia
C. Hyperemesis gravidarum
D. Placental insufficiency
Correct Answer: B. Preeclampsia
Rationale:
Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension after 20 weeks gestation, often
with symptoms like headache, vision disturbances, and edema. If untreated, it
may progress to eclampsia (seizures). Early EMS recognition and transport to a
facility with OB capabilities are critical. Blood pressure control and seizure
prevention are priorities in hospital care.
Question 3: ECLAMPSIA SEIZURE
EMS responds to a 32-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation actively seizing. She
has a history of high BP during this pregnancy. Bystanders say she suddenly
stiffened and began convulsing.
What should be your first priority?
A. Administer oral glucose
B. Insert a bite block
C. Protect the airway and provide high-flow oxygen
D. Restrain the patient to stop the seizure
Correct Answer: C. Protect the airway and provide high-flow oxygen
Rationale:
Eclampsia involves seizures due to severe hypertensive crisis in pregnancy.
EMS should ensure scene safety, protect the patient from injury, maintain airway
and oxygenation, and prepare for transport. Restraints and bite blocks are
contraindicated. ALS providers may administer magnesium sulfate or
benzodiazepines if within protocol.
, 3
Question 4: ABRUPTIO PLACENTAE
A 35-year-old woman, 30 weeks pregnant, presents with severe abdominal pain,
dark vaginal bleeding, and a rigid, tender uterus. BP is 90/58, HR 130.
What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
A. Preeclampsia
B. Placenta previa
C. Abruptio placentae
D. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: C. Abruptio placentae
Rationale:
Abruptio placentae involves premature detachment of the placenta from the
uterine wall, causing painful bleeding, uterine tenderness, and potential shock.
This condition is life-threatening to both mother and fetus. EMS should manage for
hypovolemic shock, position the mother on her left side, and initiate rapid transport
with ALS support.
Question 5: MECONIUM-STAINED AMNIOTIC FLUID
During delivery, EMS observes green-stained amniotic fluid. The newborn is
limp and not crying.
What is the priority intervention?
A. Immediate suctioning before stimulation
B. Rub the back and stimulate the baby
C. Begin chest compressions
D. Delay care until the hospital
Correct Answer: A. Immediate suctioning before stimulation
Rationale:
Meconium-stained fluid may indicate fetal distress. If the newborn is not vigorous
(limp, poor respiratory effort), EMS must suction the airway immediately before
stimulation to prevent aspiration into the lungs. Stimulation without suction may
worsen respiratory compromise. BVM support may follow if the infant does not
improve.
, 4
Question 6: NORMAL VS ABNORMAL CONTRACTIONS
A woman in active labor reports contractions every 2 minutes, each lasting over
90 seconds. She complains of severe, constant pain.
What should EMS suspect?
A. Normal labor
B. Uterine rupture
C. Braxton Hicks contractions
D. Precipitous labor
Correct Answer: B. Uterine rupture
Rationale:
Prolonged, intense contractions with constant pain and signs of fetal distress
may indicate a uterine rupture, especially in patients with prior cesarean sections.
This is a life-threatening OB emergency. EMS must initiate rapid transport, oxygen
therapy, and notify the receiving facility. Unlike Braxton Hicks, true labor
contractions are regular and not associated with constant pain.
Question 7: SUPINE HYPOTENSIVE SYNDROME
A pregnant woman in her third trimester becomes dizzy and hypotensive after
lying supine during assessment.
What is the appropriate EMS action?
A. Administer IV fluids and trendelenburg position
B. Place her in full Fowler’s position
C. Position her on her left side
D. Perform chest compressions
Correct Answer: C. Position her on her left side
Rationale:
Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the
inferior vena cava, reducing venous return and cardiac output. EMS should
