WEST COAST EMT BLOCK 2 EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% VERIFIED BY EXPERTS
1. A 68-year-old male presents with sudden onset of ‘tearing’ pain between his shoulder
blades, a blood pressure of 180/100 in the right arm, and 140/90 in the left arm. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A. Thoracic Aortic Dissection
B. Congestive Heart Failure
C. Acute Myocardial Infarction
D. Pulmonary Embolism
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A tearing or ripping sensation between the shoulder blades
coupled with a significant blood pressure differential between arms is a classic
presentation of a thoracic aortic dissection.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of emphysema?
A. Excessive mucus production and chronic productive cough
B. Reversible airway obstruction due to bronchospasm
,C. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of lung elasticity
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Emphysema involves the destruction of the alveolar walls and
loss of elasticity, leading to air trapping. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by mucus
production, and asthma by reversible bronchospasm.
3. A patient in DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) presents with deep, rapid respirations. What is the
physiological purpose of these Kussmaul respirations?
A. To blow off excess carbon dioxide and reduce metabolic acidosis
B. To increase oxygen saturation
C. To compensate for pulmonary edema
D. To increase glucose metabolism through aerobic pathways
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism for
metabolic acidosis. By increasing the rate and depth of breathing, the body expels CO2 (an
acid) to raise the blood pH.
4. A 24-year-old female is experiencing an allergic reaction. She has hives and itching but no
respiratory distress or airway swelling. Which medication is most appropriate?
A. Diphenhydramine 25-50mg PO
, B. Albuterol 2.5mg via Nebulizer
C. Epinephrine 0.3mg IM
D. Nitroglycerin 0.4mg SL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In a mild allergic reaction without respiratory compromise or
hypotension, an antihistamine like diphenhydramine is appropriate. Epinephrine is
reserved for anaphylaxis.
5. What is the hallmark symptom that differentiates a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) from a
CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)?
A. The presence of facial droop
B. Normal blood pressure readings
C. The ability to speak clearly
D. Complete resolution of symptoms within 24 hours
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A TIA presents similarly to a stroke, but the neurological deficits
resolve completely, typically within one hour but by definition within 24 hours, without
permanent brain damage.
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% VERIFIED BY EXPERTS
1. A 68-year-old male presents with sudden onset of ‘tearing’ pain between his shoulder
blades, a blood pressure of 180/100 in the right arm, and 140/90 in the left arm. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A. Thoracic Aortic Dissection
B. Congestive Heart Failure
C. Acute Myocardial Infarction
D. Pulmonary Embolism
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A tearing or ripping sensation between the shoulder blades
coupled with a significant blood pressure differential between arms is a classic
presentation of a thoracic aortic dissection.
2. Which of the following describes the pathophysiology of emphysema?
A. Excessive mucus production and chronic productive cough
B. Reversible airway obstruction due to bronchospasm
,C. Destruction of alveolar walls and loss of lung elasticity
D. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Emphysema involves the destruction of the alveolar walls and
loss of elasticity, leading to air trapping. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by mucus
production, and asthma by reversible bronchospasm.
3. A patient in DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) presents with deep, rapid respirations. What is the
physiological purpose of these Kussmaul respirations?
A. To blow off excess carbon dioxide and reduce metabolic acidosis
B. To increase oxygen saturation
C. To compensate for pulmonary edema
D. To increase glucose metabolism through aerobic pathways
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism for
metabolic acidosis. By increasing the rate and depth of breathing, the body expels CO2 (an
acid) to raise the blood pH.
4. A 24-year-old female is experiencing an allergic reaction. She has hives and itching but no
respiratory distress or airway swelling. Which medication is most appropriate?
A. Diphenhydramine 25-50mg PO
, B. Albuterol 2.5mg via Nebulizer
C. Epinephrine 0.3mg IM
D. Nitroglycerin 0.4mg SL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In a mild allergic reaction without respiratory compromise or
hypotension, an antihistamine like diphenhydramine is appropriate. Epinephrine is
reserved for anaphylaxis.
5. What is the hallmark symptom that differentiates a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) from a
CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)?
A. The presence of facial droop
B. Normal blood pressure readings
C. The ability to speak clearly
D. Complete resolution of symptoms within 24 hours
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A TIA presents similarly to a stroke, but the neurological deficits
resolve completely, typically within one hour but by definition within 24 hours, without
permanent brain damage.
