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NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive Exam practice questions

200 free questions with answers and explanations.

Practice test
  1. 151.A 55-year-old male complains of sudden onset of severe, crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm. He is pale, diaphoretic, and extremely anxious. His vital signs are BP 140/90 mmHg, HR 100 bpm, RR 20 bpm, SpO2 96% on room air. He denies any allergies and takes no medications. After administering oxygen via nasal cannula to maintain SpO2 >94%, what is the MOST appropriate next medication to consider for this patient, assuming local protocols allow?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  2. 152.A 45-year-old male complains of sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, anxiety, and a feeling of impending doom. He has a history of congestive heart failure (CHF). On examination, you note diffuse crackles (rales) in all lung fields, jugular venous distention (JVD), and peripheral edema. His blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm, and respiratory rate is 30 bpm. Oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. What is the MOST appropriate initial treatment for this patient?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  3. 153.An 82-year-old male is experiencing sudden onset of dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. His pulse is 48 bpm, regular, and strong. His skin is warm and dry, and he denies chest pain or shortness of breath. His blood pressure is 118/76 mmHg. What is the MOST appropriate initial management for this patient?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  4. 154.An EMT is assessing a 60-year-old male complaining of suddenly feeling unwell. He is cool, pale, diaphoretic, and reports crushing substernal chest pain radiating to his left arm. His blood pressure is 88/50 mmHg, pulse is 110 bpm and thready, and respirations are 22 bpm. Lung sounds are clear. What type of shock is this patient most likely experiencing?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  5. 155.A 68-year-old male is found unresponsive and pulseless. He has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order readily available and verified by family. What is the MOST appropriate action for the EMT crew?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  6. 156.A 68-year-old male presents with sudden onset of severe, crushing chest pain radiating to his left arm and jaw. He is diaphoretic, pale, and short of breath. His blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, heart rate is 110 bpm, and respiratory rate is 24 bpm. Oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  7. 157.A 28-year-old female presents with sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that worsens with inhalation, and a feeling of impending doom. She recently took a long-haul flight. Her vital signs are: BP 100/60 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 30 breaths/min, SpO2 88% on room air. Lung sounds are clear bilaterally. What is the MOST likely cause of her symptoms?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  8. 158.A 30-year-old male is experiencing palpitations, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. His ECG shows a regular rhythm with a heart rate of 180 bpm, narrow QRS complexes, and no discernible P waves. He is alert and oriented, but his blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  9. 159.A 65-year-old female complains of sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, anxiety, and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. Her medical history includes hypertension and congestive heart failure. Auscultation reveals crackles (rales) in all lung fields. Her SpO2 is 88% on room air. Which of the following interventions is the MOST appropriate initial treatment?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  10. 160.A 30-year-old male is experiencing sudden onset of shortness of breath and sharp, pleuritic chest pain that worsens with inhalation. He is tachycardic (110 bpm) and tachypneic (24 bpm). Auscultation reveals diminished breath sounds on the right side. He denies any trauma. What is the MOST likely cause of his symptoms?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  11. 161.A 45-year-old male is experiencing sudden onset of palpitations, lightheadedness, and a feeling of impending doom. His pulse is 180 bpm and weak, respirations are 20 bpm, and blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg. He is conscious but anxious. What is the MOST appropriate initial management for this patient's cardiac rhythm?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  12. 162.A 55-year-old female suddenly collapses at a restaurant. Bystanders state she was eating and then clutched her chest before falling. She is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. What is the MOST appropriate initial action?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  13. 163.A 50-year-old male is found unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. CPR is initiated immediately. An AED is brought to the scene and attached. The AED analyzes the rhythm and states 'No Shock Advised.' What is the MOST appropriate next action?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  14. 164.A 55-year-old male is found unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. CPR is in progress. The AED is attached, analyzes the rhythm, and states 'Shock Advised.' After confirming the scene is clear, the EMT delivers a shock. What is the NEXT most appropriate action for the EMT to take?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  15. 165.A 65-year-old male is experiencing sudden onset of weakness, dizziness, and a feeling of 'fluttering' in his chest. His radial pulse is rapid, irregular, and difficult to count, estimated at 140 bpm. His skin is warm and dry, and blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg. He denies chest pain or shortness of breath. What type of dysrhythmia is MOST likely based on this presentation?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  16. 166.A 60-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents with sudden, sharp, tearing pain in his back, radiating to his abdomen. His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg in the right arm and 140/80 mmHg in the left arm. His radial pulses are weak and unequal. What condition should the EMT MOST suspect?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  17. 167.A 25-year-old male is found unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. CPR is initiated, and an AED is attached. The AED analyzes the rhythm and advises 'SHOCK ADVISED.' What is the MOST appropriate next action after ensuring all personnel are clear?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  18. 168.A 58-year-old male is experiencing chest pain, diaphoresis, and nausea. He has a history of angina and takes prescribed nitroglycerin. His blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg, heart rate 92 bpm, and SpO2 96% on room air. After administering oxygen and assisting with aspirin, what is the NEXT MOST appropriate intervention?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  19. 169.A 50-year-old male is found unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. CPR is initiated immediately by bystanders. Upon your arrival, the AED is attached and advises 'NO SHOCK ADVISED.' What is the MOST appropriate next action?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  20. 170.A 75-year-old female with a known history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure is experiencing increased shortness of breath and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. She is anxious and sitting upright, leaning forward. Her vital signs are: BP 160/90 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 30 breaths/min, SpO2 85% on room air. Lung sounds reveal diffuse crackles and wheezes. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention for this patient?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  21. 171.A 6-year-old child fell approximately 10 feet from a treehouse, landing on his head. He is conscious but disoriented, and you observe clear fluid leaking from his left ear. What should be your primary concern and immediate management strategy?Trauma
  22. 172.A 38-year-old male was involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained an open fracture to his right tibia. He is complaining of severe pain, and you observe bone protruding through the skin. After addressing any life-threatening issues, what is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this injury?Trauma
  23. 173.A 25-year-old male was involved in a motor vehicle collision and is presenting with paradoxical motion of a segment of his chest wall, severe pain, and dyspnea. His blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg, heart rate 110 bpm, and respiratory rate 28 bpm. What is the MOST immediate and appropriate intervention for this patient?Trauma
  24. 174.A 28-year-old male sustained a laceration to his left thigh from a chainsaw. You observe dark red blood flowing steadily from the wound. Which type of bleeding is MOST likely present?Trauma
  25. 175.A 45-year-old male was involved in a motor vehicle collision and presents with significant abdominal pain, distention, and signs of shock. He was wearing a lap belt only. Upon palpation, you note tenderness and rigidity in the lower abdomen. What abdominal organ is MOST susceptible to injury with this mechanism?Trauma
  26. 176.An EMT is dispatched to a local park for a 7-year-old child who has fallen from a slide and sustained a possible fractured arm. The child's parents are not present, but a park supervisor states they have medical power of attorney for the child. What is the MOST appropriate action for the EMT regarding consent for treatment?EMS Operations
  27. 177.A 70-year-old female with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) presents with sudden worsening of shortness of breath, orthopnea, and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. Her vital signs are BP 160/90 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, RR 28 bpm, SpO2 88% on room air. Lung sounds reveal diffuse crackles (rales). What is the most appropriate initial oxygen delivery method for this patient?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  28. 178.A 62-year-old female complains of sudden onset of severe, crushing chest pain that radiates to her left arm and jaw. She is diaphoretic and states she feels very nauseous. Her blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg, heart rate is 100 bpm, and respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute. She has no known allergies and takes no medications. What is the most appropriate initial medication administration for this patient, assuming local protocols allow?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  29. 179.A 28-year-old female, 36 weeks pregnant, presents with sudden onset of severe, constant abdominal pain, dark red vaginal bleeding, and a rigid abdomen. She denies trauma. Her vital signs are BP 90/60 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 24 bpm. What is the MOST likely cause of her condition?Medical Emergencies
  30. 180.An EMT is assisting with the care of a 72-year-old patient in cardiac arrest. CPR is ongoing. The patient's rhythm is identified as ventricular fibrillation (VF). The AED delivers a shock. What is the immediate next action following the shock?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  31. 181.A 4-year-old male presents with a sudden onset of difficulty breathing, stridor, and a 'barking' cough. His parents state he had a cold for a few days prior. He is afebrile. Which condition is MOST consistent with these findings?Medical Emergencies
  32. 182.A 55-year-old male is experiencing sudden onset of severe, tearing back pain that radiates to his abdomen. He is pale and diaphoretic. His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg, pulse 120 bpm, and respirations 20 bpm. He has a history of poorly controlled hypertension. Given these findings, which of the following conditions should the EMT suspect?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  33. 183.A 28-year-old construction worker has sustained a deep laceration to his inner thigh from a piece of rebar. You observe dark red blood flowing steadily from the wound. Direct pressure has been applied for 5 minutes, but the bleeding continues. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in managing this patient's bleeding?Trauma
  34. 184.A 16-year-old female, a known diabetic, is found by her parents in her bedroom, confused and disoriented. Her skin is warm and dry, breath has a fruity odor, and respirations are deep and rapid (Kussmaul). Her blood glucose level is 480 mg/dL. What is the MOST likely underlying condition?Medical Emergencies
  35. 185.An EMT is performing a scene size-up at a single-vehicle collision involving a car that struck a utility pole. The pole is visibly damaged, and wires are lying on the ground near the vehicle. What is the MOST critical immediate action the EMT should take?EMS Operations
  36. 186.A 45-year-old female complains of sudden onset of severe, cramping abdominal pain that started suddenly after eating a fatty meal. The pain is localized to the right upper quadrant and radiates to her right shoulder. She also reports nausea and vomiting. What is the MOST likely cause of her abdominal pain?Medical Emergencies
  37. 187.An EMT is dispatched to a local park where a 10-year-old child has fallen from a swing set and sustained a possible fractured arm. The child is conscious and alert but crying. The child's parents are not present, but a park supervisor states they have called the parents and they are en route. What is the MOST appropriate initial action for the EMT?EMS Operations
  38. 188.A 45-year-old male is experiencing sudden onset of palpitations, lightheadedness, and a feeling of 'racing heart.' His pulse is 160 bpm, regular, and weak. He is alert but anxious. His blood pressure is 100/70 mmHg, and he denies chest pain or shortness of breath. Based on these findings, how would you classify this patient's condition?Cardiology & Resuscitation
  39. 189.An EMT is preparing to transport a stable patient with a suspected isolated ankle fracture. The patient is refusing spinal immobilization. What is the MOST appropriate documentation strategy for this situation?EMS Operations
  40. 190.A 68-year-old male is found unresponsive with a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. His wife states he is a diabetic and takes insulin, but she is unsure if he ate recently. His skin is cool and clammy, and his pulse is rapid and thready. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?Medical Emergencies
  41. 191.A 62-year-old male is found unresponsive by his family. His respirations are slow and shallow at 8 breaths per minute, and his pulse is weak and thready at 50 bpm. His skin is cool and clammy. Family states he has a history of diabetes and takes insulin. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?Medical Emergencies
  42. 192.An EMT is assisting a 78-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis who is complaining of generalized weakness and dizziness. Her blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg and heart rate is 110 bpm. She reports taking a new medication for her osteoarthritis the previous day, but cannot recall the name. Which of the following commonly prescribed medications for osteoarthritis could contribute to her current symptoms?Pharmacology
  43. 193.An EMT is assisting at a mass casualty incident (MCI) involving a bus rollover. Multiple patients are conscious, ambulatory, and have minor injuries. According to the START triage system, what triage color should these patients be assigned?EMS Operations
  44. 194.A 72-year-old female presents with new-onset confusion, fever of 101.5°F (38.6°C), and general weakness. Her family states she has no history of dementia and was fine yesterday. What is the MOST important condition to consider in an elderly patient with these symptoms?Medical Emergencies
  45. 195.A 19-year-old female is found hyperventilating, complaining of numbness and tingling in her hands and feet, and feeling lightheaded. She states she just had a fight with her boyfriend. Her vital signs are stable, and her SpO2 is 99%. What is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?Medical Emergencies
  46. 196.A 6-year-old child fell approximately 10 feet from a treehouse, landing on his head. He is conscious but confused, with a GCS of 13. You observe clear fluid leaking from his left ear and bruising behind his left ear. Respirations are 20 breaths/minute and regular, pulse is 90 bpm, and blood pressure is 100/60 mmHg. Which of the following prehospital interventions is CONTRAINDICATED for this patient?Trauma
  47. 197.An EMT is assessing an 8-month-old infant who is lethargic, has a sunken fontanelle, dry mucous membranes, and has not had a wet diaper in 12 hours. The infant's heart rate is 160 bpm and capillary refill is 4 seconds. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?Medical Emergencies
  48. 198.A 55-year-old male was involved in a fall from a ladder, landing on his side. He complains of sharp pain in his right upper quadrant and difficulty breathing. Upon examination, you note bruising to the right lateral chest wall and paradoxical motion of a segment of ribs during respiration. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial management for this patient's respiratory compromise?Trauma
  49. 199.A 25-year-old female is found unconscious in her bedroom by her roommate. There are several empty pill bottles, including one for amitriptyline, on the nightstand. Her respirations are slow and shallow, pulse is weak and rapid at 130 bpm, and pupils are dilated. What type of overdose is MOST likely?Medical Emergencies
  50. 200.A 68-year-old male complains of sudden onset of severe, crushing chest pain that radiates to his left arm. He is pale, diaphoretic, and extremely anxious. His vital signs are BP 90/60 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, RR 22 bpm, SpO2 92% on room air. He has a history of hypertension and takes daily medication. What is the most important initial medication to consider administering, if not contraindicated?Cardiology & Resuscitation