West Coast EMT Block 3 Exam 2026 | Questions &
Verified Answers | Medical Emergencies Review
1. Describe why Alzheimer's disease is not considered a common cause of
acute psychotic behavior compared to other conditions.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder that typically leads to chronic cognitive decline rather
than acute psychotic episodes.
Alzheimer's disease is a mental health disorder that leads to acute
psychosis.
Alzheimer's disease is primarily caused by substance abuse.
Alzheimer's disease causes sudden changes in behavior due to
stress.
2. If an elderly patient presents with symptoms of depression, which of the
following assessments should be prioritized to rule out common
causes?
Immediate referral for psychiatric evaluation
Assessment of family history of dementia only
Assessment of chronic medical conditions and medication
review
Focus solely on the patient's mental health history
3. A patient presents with excessive hunger and has been diagnosed with
diabetes. What condition might this indicate?
dysphasia
polydipsia
polyphagia
,dyspepsia
,4. What is the primary characteristic of an allergic reaction?
destruction of the immune system in response to a substance
a normal immune response to pathogens
an exaggerated immune system response to any substance
direct negative effect on the body
5. Describe the significance of the retroperitoneal space in relation to
organ placement and potential medical emergencies.
The retroperitoneal space is where the liver is located, which is
crucial for detoxification.
The retroperitoneal space is primarily for storing fat and does
not contain any vital organs.
The retroperitoneal space is filled with fluid that cushions the
organs.
The retroperitoneal space contains organs such as the
pancreas, which can be involved in various medical
emergencies like pancreatitis.
6. In a scenario where a patient has a compromised immune system, which
organ's function would be most critical to monitor and why?
Spleen, because it is essential for antibody production and
immune response.
Liver, because it detoxifies blood and produces clotting factors.
Kidney, because it regulates fluid balance and electrolyte levels.
Pancreas, because it regulates blood sugar levels.
, 7. What type of medication should raise suspicion for a brain injury in
patients with minor head injuries?
antidepressants
pain relievers
antibiotics
blood-thinning medications
8. In a scenario where a patient is taking five different medications for
various conditions, what should an EMT consider regarding the patient's
treatment plan?
The potential for drug interactions and the risk of overdose.
The patient's preference for alternative therapies.
The patient's ability to pay for medications.
The patient's history of medication adherence.
9. What condition should you suspect in a patient with type 1 diabetes who
is only responsive to verbal stimuli?
hypoglycemic
anaphylaxis
significantly hyperglycemic
UTI
10. If an EMT encounters an elderly patient with signs of neglect, what
steps should they take to assess for potential physical elder abuse?
Only ask the patient about their financial situation.
Conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's living
conditions and personal hygiene.
Verified Answers | Medical Emergencies Review
1. Describe why Alzheimer's disease is not considered a common cause of
acute psychotic behavior compared to other conditions.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative
disorder that typically leads to chronic cognitive decline rather
than acute psychotic episodes.
Alzheimer's disease is a mental health disorder that leads to acute
psychosis.
Alzheimer's disease is primarily caused by substance abuse.
Alzheimer's disease causes sudden changes in behavior due to
stress.
2. If an elderly patient presents with symptoms of depression, which of the
following assessments should be prioritized to rule out common
causes?
Immediate referral for psychiatric evaluation
Assessment of family history of dementia only
Assessment of chronic medical conditions and medication
review
Focus solely on the patient's mental health history
3. A patient presents with excessive hunger and has been diagnosed with
diabetes. What condition might this indicate?
dysphasia
polydipsia
polyphagia
,dyspepsia
,4. What is the primary characteristic of an allergic reaction?
destruction of the immune system in response to a substance
a normal immune response to pathogens
an exaggerated immune system response to any substance
direct negative effect on the body
5. Describe the significance of the retroperitoneal space in relation to
organ placement and potential medical emergencies.
The retroperitoneal space is where the liver is located, which is
crucial for detoxification.
The retroperitoneal space is primarily for storing fat and does
not contain any vital organs.
The retroperitoneal space is filled with fluid that cushions the
organs.
The retroperitoneal space contains organs such as the
pancreas, which can be involved in various medical
emergencies like pancreatitis.
6. In a scenario where a patient has a compromised immune system, which
organ's function would be most critical to monitor and why?
Spleen, because it is essential for antibody production and
immune response.
Liver, because it detoxifies blood and produces clotting factors.
Kidney, because it regulates fluid balance and electrolyte levels.
Pancreas, because it regulates blood sugar levels.
, 7. What type of medication should raise suspicion for a brain injury in
patients with minor head injuries?
antidepressants
pain relievers
antibiotics
blood-thinning medications
8. In a scenario where a patient is taking five different medications for
various conditions, what should an EMT consider regarding the patient's
treatment plan?
The potential for drug interactions and the risk of overdose.
The patient's preference for alternative therapies.
The patient's ability to pay for medications.
The patient's history of medication adherence.
9. What condition should you suspect in a patient with type 1 diabetes who
is only responsive to verbal stimuli?
hypoglycemic
anaphylaxis
significantly hyperglycemic
UTI
10. If an EMT encounters an elderly patient with signs of neglect, what
steps should they take to assess for potential physical elder abuse?
Only ask the patient about their financial situation.
Conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's living
conditions and personal hygiene.
