EMT Practice Questions

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Perfusion refers to delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. It depends on three essential components:

Patent airway: Ensures oxygen reaches lungs

Intact microcirculation: Capillary-level exchange must function

Sufficient blood volume: Maintains blood pressure and oxygen transport

Hypoxic drive relates to COPD physiology, not perfusion. High alveolar pressure (like from CPAP) may impede venous return, and a low ventilation-perfusion ratio means poor oxygenation efficiency, which negatively affects perfusion.

Appearance (Skin Color): → 2 points

The neonate is completely pink.

APGAR criteria:

0 = blue/pale

1 = pink body, blue extremities

2 = completely pink

Pulse (Heart Rate): → 2 points

Heart rate is 108/min.

APGAR criteria:

0 = absent

1 = < 100/min

2 = ≥ 100/min

Activity (Muscle Tone): → 1 point

The neonate has some flexion of extremities, but not active motion.

APGAR criteria:

0 = limp

1 = some flexion

2 = active motion

Respirations: → 1 point

Breathing is slow, not strong crying.

APGAR criteria:

0 = absent

1 = slow or irregular respirations

2 = strong cry

Total APGAR Score at 5 Minutes: 6 / 10

Interpretation (NREMT-based):

A score of 6 indicates the newborn requires continued supportive care, such as warming, positioning, stimulation, and close monitoring.

No immediate chest compressions are indicated because the heart rate is >100/min.

Respiratory effort should continue to be assessed closely.

This scoring aligns with NREMT neonatal assessment and APGAR scoring guidelines used for evaluating newborn transition after birth.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Pertinent negatives are findings that are not present, but would be clinically relevant if they were. For example:

“No neck or back pain” helps rule out spinal injury

“No loss of consciousness” informs head trauma assessment

Statements about behavior or initial refusal (B, E) may be documented under patient behavior or refusal, but they are not pertinent negatives. Positive findings like abdominal tenderness are pertinent positives.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (Based on NREMT standards):

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is used in patients with moderate to severe respiratory distress who are conscious and able to maintain their airway. NREMT guidelines identify specific respiratory conditions where CPAP improves oxygenation and ventilation.

Option A (Chronic bronchitis) is correct because CPAP helps overcome airway collapse and improves gas exchange in COPD patients.

Option B (Pulmonary edema) is correct because CPAP reduces preload and afterload while forcing fluid out of alveoli, improving oxygenation.

Option C (Acute bronchospasms) is correct because CPAP helps splint open airways and reduce work of breathing.

Option D is incorrect because CPAP is not used for isolated myocardial infarction without respiratory failure.

Option E is contraindicated because positive pressure can worsen a pneumothorax.

Option F is contraindicated due to airway burns and potential inhalation injury.

NREMT stresses proper patient selection to prevent CPAP-related complications.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

If a choking patient becomes unresponsive, EMTs should:

Check for a pulse

Begin chest compressions if no pulse is foundChest compressions can help dislodge the object. After compressions, the airway should be opened and inspected. Back blows are not appropriate for unconscious patients.

Ventilation is attempted after clearing the airway or if no object is seen. Do not withhold compressions waiting for object removal.