West Coast EMT Block Exam #1 Questions
and Verified Answers
Question 1
The proper technique for using the power grip is to:
Select one:
A. hold the handle with your fingers.
B. position your hands about 6² apart.
C. lift with your palms up.
D. rotate your palms down.
Correct Answer
C. lift with your palms up.
Question 2
Which of the following is a physical change that typically occurs in the adolescent age
group?
Select one:
A. Secondary sexual development begins.
B. Muscle and bone growth both decrease.
C. The systolic blood pressure decreases.
D. The normal pulse rate steadily increases.
Correct Answer
A. Secondary sexual development begins.
Question 3
The Centennial Park bombing during the 1996 Summer Olympics is an example of:
Select one:
A. state-sponsored terrorism.
B. domestic terrorism.
C. apocalyptic violence.
D. an ecoterrorist attack.
Correct Answer
B. domestic terrorism.
Page 1 of 75
,Question 4
Equipment and supplies that are carried on an ambulance should be stored:
Select one:
A. in locked or secured cabinets in order to prevent theft.
B. as directed by the EMS system's medical director.
C. based on recommendations of the health department.
D. according to the urgency and frequency of their use.
Correct Answer
D. according to the urgency and frequency of their use.
Question 5
A patient has fractured both femurs. Anatomically, these injuries would be described
as being:
Select one:
A. bilateral.
B. medial.
C. proximal.
D. unilateral.
Correct Answer
A. bilateral.
Question 6
A diabetic patient has polydipsia. This means that she:
Select one:
A. is excessively thirsty.
B. is unable to swallow.
C. urinates frequently.
D. has low blood sugar.
Correct Answer
A. is excessively thirsty.
Page 2 of 75
,Question 7
Which of the following statements is NOT appropriate to document in the narrative
section of a PCR?
Select one:
A. "The patient admits to smoking marijuana earlier in the day."
B. "Significant damage was noted to the front end of the vehicle."
C. "After oxygen was administered, the patient's breathing improved."
D. "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated."
Correct Answer
D. "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated."
Question 8
According to the START triage system, what should you do if a patient is found to
have a respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min?
Select one:
A. Administer high-flow oxygen.
B. Triage the patient as delayed.
C. Assess for bilateral radial pulses.
D. Assess his or her neurologic status.
Correct Answer
C. Assess for bilateral radial pulses.
Question 9
Which type of consent is involved when a 39-year-old mentally competent female
with a severe headache asks you to take her to the hospital?
Select one:
A. Formal
B. Implied
C. Expressed
D. Informed
Correct Answer
C. Expressed
Page 3 of 75
, Question 10
Which of the following statements regarding an emergency patient move is correct?
Select one:
A. The spine must be fully immobilized prior to performing an emergency move.
B. The patient is dragged against the body's long axis during an emergency move.
C. An emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment.
D. It is not possible to perform an emergency move without injuring the patient.
Correct Answer
C. An emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment.
Question 11
Which of the following would provide the EMT with the BEST cover in a situation
involving active gunfire?
Select one:
A. A concrete barricade
B. Behind a car door
C. A large cluster of shrubs
D. Stacked empty barrels
Correct Answer
A. A concrete barricade
Question 12
You respond to the home of a 59-year-old man who is unconscious; has slow, shallow
breathing; and has a weak pulse. The family states that the patient has terminal brain
cancer and does not wish to be resuscitated. They further state that there is a DNR
order for this patient, but they are unable to locate it. You should:
Select one:
A. decide on further action once the DNR order is produced.
B. honor the patient's wishes and withhold all treatment.
C. transport the patient without providing any treatment.
D. begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.
Correct Answer
D. begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.
Page 4 of 75
and Verified Answers
Question 1
The proper technique for using the power grip is to:
Select one:
A. hold the handle with your fingers.
B. position your hands about 6² apart.
C. lift with your palms up.
D. rotate your palms down.
Correct Answer
C. lift with your palms up.
Question 2
Which of the following is a physical change that typically occurs in the adolescent age
group?
Select one:
A. Secondary sexual development begins.
B. Muscle and bone growth both decrease.
C. The systolic blood pressure decreases.
D. The normal pulse rate steadily increases.
Correct Answer
A. Secondary sexual development begins.
Question 3
The Centennial Park bombing during the 1996 Summer Olympics is an example of:
Select one:
A. state-sponsored terrorism.
B. domestic terrorism.
C. apocalyptic violence.
D. an ecoterrorist attack.
Correct Answer
B. domestic terrorism.
Page 1 of 75
,Question 4
Equipment and supplies that are carried on an ambulance should be stored:
Select one:
A. in locked or secured cabinets in order to prevent theft.
B. as directed by the EMS system's medical director.
C. based on recommendations of the health department.
D. according to the urgency and frequency of their use.
Correct Answer
D. according to the urgency and frequency of their use.
Question 5
A patient has fractured both femurs. Anatomically, these injuries would be described
as being:
Select one:
A. bilateral.
B. medial.
C. proximal.
D. unilateral.
Correct Answer
A. bilateral.
Question 6
A diabetic patient has polydipsia. This means that she:
Select one:
A. is excessively thirsty.
B. is unable to swallow.
C. urinates frequently.
D. has low blood sugar.
Correct Answer
A. is excessively thirsty.
Page 2 of 75
,Question 7
Which of the following statements is NOT appropriate to document in the narrative
section of a PCR?
Select one:
A. "The patient admits to smoking marijuana earlier in the day."
B. "Significant damage was noted to the front end of the vehicle."
C. "After oxygen was administered, the patient's breathing improved."
D. "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated."
Correct Answer
D. "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated."
Question 8
According to the START triage system, what should you do if a patient is found to
have a respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min?
Select one:
A. Administer high-flow oxygen.
B. Triage the patient as delayed.
C. Assess for bilateral radial pulses.
D. Assess his or her neurologic status.
Correct Answer
C. Assess for bilateral radial pulses.
Question 9
Which type of consent is involved when a 39-year-old mentally competent female
with a severe headache asks you to take her to the hospital?
Select one:
A. Formal
B. Implied
C. Expressed
D. Informed
Correct Answer
C. Expressed
Page 3 of 75
, Question 10
Which of the following statements regarding an emergency patient move is correct?
Select one:
A. The spine must be fully immobilized prior to performing an emergency move.
B. The patient is dragged against the body's long axis during an emergency move.
C. An emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment.
D. It is not possible to perform an emergency move without injuring the patient.
Correct Answer
C. An emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment.
Question 11
Which of the following would provide the EMT with the BEST cover in a situation
involving active gunfire?
Select one:
A. A concrete barricade
B. Behind a car door
C. A large cluster of shrubs
D. Stacked empty barrels
Correct Answer
A. A concrete barricade
Question 12
You respond to the home of a 59-year-old man who is unconscious; has slow, shallow
breathing; and has a weak pulse. The family states that the patient has terminal brain
cancer and does not wish to be resuscitated. They further state that there is a DNR
order for this patient, but they are unable to locate it. You should:
Select one:
A. decide on further action once the DNR order is produced.
B. honor the patient's wishes and withhold all treatment.
C. transport the patient without providing any treatment.
D. begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.
Correct Answer
D. begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.
Page 4 of 75
