Snohomish County EMS Protocols Exam With
Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1.
A patient is found unconscious and is not breathing normally. What is
the EMT's immediate priority?
A. Obtain a complete medical history
B. Begin assessment of airway and breathing
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
D. Determine the patient's insurance information
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The initial priority is assessment and management of life
threats, beginning with airway and breathing while simultaneously
evaluating circulation.
2.
A patient has severe respiratory distress and an inadequate respiratory
rate. What intervention should take priority?
A. Obtain a detailed SAMPLE history
B. Assist ventilations with a BVM as indicated
C. Give oral fluids
D. Place the patient supine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inadequate ventilation is an immediate life threat. Assisted
ventilation should not be delayed for a detailed history.
3.
,Which finding most strongly indicates inadequate breathing?
A. Respiratory rate of 18/min with normal effort
B. Mild anxiety
C. Poor chest rise and altered mental status
D. Clear lung sounds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Poor chest rise combined with altered mental status strongly
suggests inadequate ventilation and requires immediate intervention.
4.
A patient with suspected opioid overdose has inadequate respirations.
What is the priority?
A. Wait for naloxone to work before ventilating
B. Provide ventilatory support and administer naloxone when indicated
C. Give oral glucose
, D. Encourage the patient to walk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ventilation is the immediate lifesaving intervention in opioid-
associated respiratory depression. Naloxone is an adjunct to restore
adequate spontaneous breathing.
5.
Which assessment is most important after administering naloxone?
A. Skin color only
B. Respiratory status and level of consciousness
C. Blood pressure only
D. Pupillary size only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal is restoration of adequate ventilation and
consciousness sufficient to maintain the airway.
Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1.
A patient is found unconscious and is not breathing normally. What is
the EMT's immediate priority?
A. Obtain a complete medical history
B. Begin assessment of airway and breathing
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
D. Determine the patient's insurance information
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The initial priority is assessment and management of life
threats, beginning with airway and breathing while simultaneously
evaluating circulation.
2.
A patient has severe respiratory distress and an inadequate respiratory
rate. What intervention should take priority?
A. Obtain a detailed SAMPLE history
B. Assist ventilations with a BVM as indicated
C. Give oral fluids
D. Place the patient supine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inadequate ventilation is an immediate life threat. Assisted
ventilation should not be delayed for a detailed history.
3.
,Which finding most strongly indicates inadequate breathing?
A. Respiratory rate of 18/min with normal effort
B. Mild anxiety
C. Poor chest rise and altered mental status
D. Clear lung sounds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Poor chest rise combined with altered mental status strongly
suggests inadequate ventilation and requires immediate intervention.
4.
A patient with suspected opioid overdose has inadequate respirations.
What is the priority?
A. Wait for naloxone to work before ventilating
B. Provide ventilatory support and administer naloxone when indicated
C. Give oral glucose
, D. Encourage the patient to walk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ventilation is the immediate lifesaving intervention in opioid-
associated respiratory depression. Naloxone is an adjunct to restore
adequate spontaneous breathing.
5.
Which assessment is most important after administering naloxone?
A. Skin color only
B. Respiratory status and level of consciousness
C. Blood pressure only
D. Pupillary size only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal is restoration of adequate ventilation and
consciousness sufficient to maintain the airway.
