FISDAP MEDICAL 2026 CORE EXAMS SET QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS MARKED A+
✔✔You are at the scene where a man panicked while swimming in a small lake. Your
initial attempt to rescue him should include:
A) throwing a rope to the victim.
B) rowing a small raft to the victim.
C) swimming to the victim to rescue him.
D) reaching for the victim with a long object. - ✔✔D) reaching for the victim with a long
object.
General rules to fo llow when attempting to rescue a patient from the water include
"reach, throw, row, and then go." In this case, you should attempt to reach
the victim by having him grab hold of a long object, such as a stick or pole. If this is not
possible or unsuccessful, throw the victim a rope or flotation device (if available). If
these are not available, row to the patient in a small raft (if available). Going into the
water to retrieve the victim is a last resort. The rescuer must
be a strong swimmer because patients who are in danger of drowning are in a state of
blind panic and will make every attempt to keep themselves afloat,
even if it means forcing the rescuer underwater.
✔✔Which of the following is a later sign of hepatitis?
A) Fatigue
B) Jaundice
C) Loss of appetite
D) Fever and vomiting - ✔✔B) Jaundice
Early signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis include loss of appetite (anorexia), vomiting,
fever, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Jaundice (yellow sclera and
skin) and right upper quadrant abdominal pain are not common early manifestations of
hepatitis; they usually develop within 1 to 2 weeks into the disease
process.
✔✔A 48-year-old man became acutely hypoxic, experienced a seizure, and is now
postictal. The MOST effective way to prevent another seizure
is to:
A) place him in the recovery position.
B) give him oral glucose if he can swallow.
C) administer high-flow supplemental oxygen.
D) dim the lights in the back of the ambulance. - ✔✔C) administer high-flow
supplemental oxygen.
You should administer high-flow oxygen to all patients who are actively seizing and to
patients who experienced a seizure and are postictal. This is especially true if the
seizure was caused by hypoxia. Increasing the oxygen content of the blood, which
,minimizes hypoxia, may prevent another seizure. The recovery position is appropriate
for uninjured patients with a decreased level of consciousness and adequate breathing;
it will help maintain the airway and facilitate
drainage of secretions from the mouth, but will not prevent another seizure. Oral
glucose may prevent another seizure if hypoglycemia was the cause of the
seizure. You should dim the lights in the back of the ambulance to help prevent any
seizure, not just those that are caused by hypoxia.
✔✔What is the correct dose, concentration, and route of epinephrine via EpiPen for
anaphylactic shock in an adult?
A) 0.3 mg; 1:1,000; intramuscular
B) 0.15 mg; 1:1,000; intravascular
C) 0.3 mg; 1:10,000; intramuscular
D) 0.15 mg; 1:10,000; intravascular - ✔✔A) 0.3 mg; 1:1,000; intramuscular
In some EMS systems, EM Ts are trained to draw up and administer epinephrine from
an ampule or a vial. In this case, the dose is 0.2 to 0.5 mg of a n ,000
solution (1 mg/mL) for adults and 0.01 mg/kg for children. Other systems carry
epinephrine auto-injectors, or assist patients who have a prescription. The
adult EpiPen delivers 0.3 mg of a J:1 ,000 solution, and the pediatric EpiPen delivers
0.15 mg of a J:2 ,000 solution. Whether drawn from an ampule or vial or
delivered via EpiPen, the drug is administered via the intramuscular route. The J:1 ,000
concentration is very concentrated compared to J:10 ,000, and is
therefore NOT administered by the intravascular route.
✔✔A woman with type 1 diabetes presents with deep, rapid breathing; tachycardia,
dehydration; and an altered mental status. Which of the
following would MOST likely explain her clinical presentation?
A) Her blood sugar level is less than 60 mg/dL.
B) She has not taken her insulin in several days.
C) She took her insulin but has not eaten today.
D) She has an infection that lead to dehydration. - ✔✔B) She has not taken her insulin
in several days.
The patient's clinical presentation is consistent with hyperglycemic ketoacidosis. Of the
options listed, the only logical explanation is that she has not taken
her insulin in several days. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell to make
energy, so it pools in the blood to excessive levels (hyperglycemia). Excess
blood glucose levels cause the body to eliminate large amounts of water via the
kidneys, resulting in dehydration. In the absence of glucose, the cells will
metabolize fat, which produces ketoacids. The respiratory system will attempt to
eliminate these ketoacids from the body by increasing the rate and depth of breathing
(Kussmaul respirations). Had she taken her insulin but did not eat, her blood glucose
level would be lower than normal. Although an underlying infection cannot be ruled out,
the primary cause of her problem is failure to take her prescribed insulin.
,✔✔A 32-year-old man who was stung by a bee has diffuse hives, facial swelling, and
difficulty breathing. When he breathes, you hear audible
stridor. What does this indicate?
A) Swelling of the upper airway structures
B) Swelling of the lower airway structures
C) Narrowing of the two mainstem bronchi
D) Narrowing of the bronchioles in the lungs - ✔✔A) Swelling of the upper airway
structures
This patient is experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Strid or, which is a
high-pitched sound heard on inhalation, indicates swelling of the
structures and tissues of the upper airway. If not promptly treated, the patient's airway
may close completely, resulting in respiratory arrest. Narrowing of
the bronchioles in the lungs causes wheezing, a whistling sound that may be heard
during inhalation, exhalation, or both.
✔✔Which of the following drugs can cause or worsen excited delirium?
A) Heroin
B) Cocaine
C) Ketamine
D) Marijuana - ✔✔B) Cocaine
Excited delirium, also referred to as agitated delirium, is a condition caused by a severe
increase in the metabolic rate, combined with impairment of
cognitive function. The symptoms of excited delirium include hyperactive irrational
behavior with possible vivid hallucinations, which can create the
potential for violence. Common physical manifestations include hypertension,
tachycardia, diaphoresis, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Drugs that increase
metabolism, such as cocaine or methamphetamine (sympathomimetics), can cause or
worsen excited delirium. The condition can lead to sudden death,
usually from metabolic acidosis. Heroin, an opioid, depresses metabolism; therefore, it
would not cause or worsen excited delirium. Ketamine, a sedativehypnotic,
is commonly used to treat patients with excited delirium. Marijuana can cause changes
in reality perception; however, the more potent sympathomimetics are far more common
in inducing or worsening excited delirium.
✔✔A 55-year-old woman with a history of diabetes is found unresponsive with rapid,
shallow respirations. The patient's husband tells you that
he does not know when his wife last took her insulin. Management of this patient should
include:
A) assisted ventilations and oral glucose.
B) assisted ventilations nd rapid transport.
C) oral glucose and oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
D) subcutaneous injection of insulin and 100% oxygen. - ✔✔B) assisted ventilations nd
rapid transport.
, Without knowing if and when the patient last took her insulin, it is difficult to determine if
she is experiencing diabetic coma or insulin shock. Nonetheless,
her rapid, shallow respirations--which are likely not producing adequate tidal volume--
should be treated with ventilation assistance. Because she is
unresponsive and obviously unable to swallow, oral glucose is contraindicated. Assess
the patient's blood glucose level and pass this information along to the
hospital; if possible, arrange for a paramedic intercept so she can receive intravenous
dextrose. If the patient is experiencing diabetic coma, insulin is what
she truly needs; however, insulin is rarely, if ever, administered in the prehospital
setting, even by paramedics. After ensuring adequate oxygenation and
ventilation, transport the patient without delay.
✔✔A 39-year-old man asks you to take him to the hospital because has had a fever,
headache, and diarrhea for the past 2 days. His blood
pressure is 120/60 mm Hg, his pulse is 110 beats/min, and his respirations are 16
breaths/min. You should:
A) ask him if he has a history of HIV infection or hepatitis.
B) transport him to the hospital in a position of comfort.
C) request an ALS ambulance to the scene to start an IV line.
D) advise him that he can drive himself to his family physician. - ✔✔B) transport him to
the hospital in a position of comfort.
Although the patient is likely experiencing the flu, there are other diseases, some of
which are communicable, that can cause similar symptoms. The patient
is requesting EMS transport; failure to comply constitutes abandonment. Although he is
tachycardic, the remainder of his vital signs are stable; therefore,
requesting an ALS ambulance to the scene to start an IV is not necessary. Simply
transport him in a position of comfort and monitor him en route. If the
patient is infected with HIV or hepatitis, he may choose to voluntarily disclose that
information. However, to inquire about infection with such diseases is
unethical.
✔✔When assessing a patient with an apparent behavioral crisis, the MOST important
initial observation the EMT should make is whether or
not:
A) the patient is oriented to person, place, and time.
B) the patient's residence is well kept or in disarray.
C) there is any drug paraphernalia near the patient.
D) the patient seems aggressive or verbally abusive. - ✔✔D) the patient seems
aggressive or verbally abusive.
All of the options in this question are important to assess. However, the safety of you
and your crew supersedes everything! If ANY patient is aggressive or
verbally abusive, that is a direct threat to your safety, and you should request law
enforcement personnel. It is common (and wise) for law enforcement to be
ANSWERS MARKED A+
✔✔You are at the scene where a man panicked while swimming in a small lake. Your
initial attempt to rescue him should include:
A) throwing a rope to the victim.
B) rowing a small raft to the victim.
C) swimming to the victim to rescue him.
D) reaching for the victim with a long object. - ✔✔D) reaching for the victim with a long
object.
General rules to fo llow when attempting to rescue a patient from the water include
"reach, throw, row, and then go." In this case, you should attempt to reach
the victim by having him grab hold of a long object, such as a stick or pole. If this is not
possible or unsuccessful, throw the victim a rope or flotation device (if available). If
these are not available, row to the patient in a small raft (if available). Going into the
water to retrieve the victim is a last resort. The rescuer must
be a strong swimmer because patients who are in danger of drowning are in a state of
blind panic and will make every attempt to keep themselves afloat,
even if it means forcing the rescuer underwater.
✔✔Which of the following is a later sign of hepatitis?
A) Fatigue
B) Jaundice
C) Loss of appetite
D) Fever and vomiting - ✔✔B) Jaundice
Early signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis include loss of appetite (anorexia), vomiting,
fever, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. Jaundice (yellow sclera and
skin) and right upper quadrant abdominal pain are not common early manifestations of
hepatitis; they usually develop within 1 to 2 weeks into the disease
process.
✔✔A 48-year-old man became acutely hypoxic, experienced a seizure, and is now
postictal. The MOST effective way to prevent another seizure
is to:
A) place him in the recovery position.
B) give him oral glucose if he can swallow.
C) administer high-flow supplemental oxygen.
D) dim the lights in the back of the ambulance. - ✔✔C) administer high-flow
supplemental oxygen.
You should administer high-flow oxygen to all patients who are actively seizing and to
patients who experienced a seizure and are postictal. This is especially true if the
seizure was caused by hypoxia. Increasing the oxygen content of the blood, which
,minimizes hypoxia, may prevent another seizure. The recovery position is appropriate
for uninjured patients with a decreased level of consciousness and adequate breathing;
it will help maintain the airway and facilitate
drainage of secretions from the mouth, but will not prevent another seizure. Oral
glucose may prevent another seizure if hypoglycemia was the cause of the
seizure. You should dim the lights in the back of the ambulance to help prevent any
seizure, not just those that are caused by hypoxia.
✔✔What is the correct dose, concentration, and route of epinephrine via EpiPen for
anaphylactic shock in an adult?
A) 0.3 mg; 1:1,000; intramuscular
B) 0.15 mg; 1:1,000; intravascular
C) 0.3 mg; 1:10,000; intramuscular
D) 0.15 mg; 1:10,000; intravascular - ✔✔A) 0.3 mg; 1:1,000; intramuscular
In some EMS systems, EM Ts are trained to draw up and administer epinephrine from
an ampule or a vial. In this case, the dose is 0.2 to 0.5 mg of a n ,000
solution (1 mg/mL) for adults and 0.01 mg/kg for children. Other systems carry
epinephrine auto-injectors, or assist patients who have a prescription. The
adult EpiPen delivers 0.3 mg of a J:1 ,000 solution, and the pediatric EpiPen delivers
0.15 mg of a J:2 ,000 solution. Whether drawn from an ampule or vial or
delivered via EpiPen, the drug is administered via the intramuscular route. The J:1 ,000
concentration is very concentrated compared to J:10 ,000, and is
therefore NOT administered by the intravascular route.
✔✔A woman with type 1 diabetes presents with deep, rapid breathing; tachycardia,
dehydration; and an altered mental status. Which of the
following would MOST likely explain her clinical presentation?
A) Her blood sugar level is less than 60 mg/dL.
B) She has not taken her insulin in several days.
C) She took her insulin but has not eaten today.
D) She has an infection that lead to dehydration. - ✔✔B) She has not taken her insulin
in several days.
The patient's clinical presentation is consistent with hyperglycemic ketoacidosis. Of the
options listed, the only logical explanation is that she has not taken
her insulin in several days. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell to make
energy, so it pools in the blood to excessive levels (hyperglycemia). Excess
blood glucose levels cause the body to eliminate large amounts of water via the
kidneys, resulting in dehydration. In the absence of glucose, the cells will
metabolize fat, which produces ketoacids. The respiratory system will attempt to
eliminate these ketoacids from the body by increasing the rate and depth of breathing
(Kussmaul respirations). Had she taken her insulin but did not eat, her blood glucose
level would be lower than normal. Although an underlying infection cannot be ruled out,
the primary cause of her problem is failure to take her prescribed insulin.
,✔✔A 32-year-old man who was stung by a bee has diffuse hives, facial swelling, and
difficulty breathing. When he breathes, you hear audible
stridor. What does this indicate?
A) Swelling of the upper airway structures
B) Swelling of the lower airway structures
C) Narrowing of the two mainstem bronchi
D) Narrowing of the bronchioles in the lungs - ✔✔A) Swelling of the upper airway
structures
This patient is experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Strid or, which is a
high-pitched sound heard on inhalation, indicates swelling of the
structures and tissues of the upper airway. If not promptly treated, the patient's airway
may close completely, resulting in respiratory arrest. Narrowing of
the bronchioles in the lungs causes wheezing, a whistling sound that may be heard
during inhalation, exhalation, or both.
✔✔Which of the following drugs can cause or worsen excited delirium?
A) Heroin
B) Cocaine
C) Ketamine
D) Marijuana - ✔✔B) Cocaine
Excited delirium, also referred to as agitated delirium, is a condition caused by a severe
increase in the metabolic rate, combined with impairment of
cognitive function. The symptoms of excited delirium include hyperactive irrational
behavior with possible vivid hallucinations, which can create the
potential for violence. Common physical manifestations include hypertension,
tachycardia, diaphoresis, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Drugs that increase
metabolism, such as cocaine or methamphetamine (sympathomimetics), can cause or
worsen excited delirium. The condition can lead to sudden death,
usually from metabolic acidosis. Heroin, an opioid, depresses metabolism; therefore, it
would not cause or worsen excited delirium. Ketamine, a sedativehypnotic,
is commonly used to treat patients with excited delirium. Marijuana can cause changes
in reality perception; however, the more potent sympathomimetics are far more common
in inducing or worsening excited delirium.
✔✔A 55-year-old woman with a history of diabetes is found unresponsive with rapid,
shallow respirations. The patient's husband tells you that
he does not know when his wife last took her insulin. Management of this patient should
include:
A) assisted ventilations and oral glucose.
B) assisted ventilations nd rapid transport.
C) oral glucose and oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
D) subcutaneous injection of insulin and 100% oxygen. - ✔✔B) assisted ventilations nd
rapid transport.
, Without knowing if and when the patient last took her insulin, it is difficult to determine if
she is experiencing diabetic coma or insulin shock. Nonetheless,
her rapid, shallow respirations--which are likely not producing adequate tidal volume--
should be treated with ventilation assistance. Because she is
unresponsive and obviously unable to swallow, oral glucose is contraindicated. Assess
the patient's blood glucose level and pass this information along to the
hospital; if possible, arrange for a paramedic intercept so she can receive intravenous
dextrose. If the patient is experiencing diabetic coma, insulin is what
she truly needs; however, insulin is rarely, if ever, administered in the prehospital
setting, even by paramedics. After ensuring adequate oxygenation and
ventilation, transport the patient without delay.
✔✔A 39-year-old man asks you to take him to the hospital because has had a fever,
headache, and diarrhea for the past 2 days. His blood
pressure is 120/60 mm Hg, his pulse is 110 beats/min, and his respirations are 16
breaths/min. You should:
A) ask him if he has a history of HIV infection or hepatitis.
B) transport him to the hospital in a position of comfort.
C) request an ALS ambulance to the scene to start an IV line.
D) advise him that he can drive himself to his family physician. - ✔✔B) transport him to
the hospital in a position of comfort.
Although the patient is likely experiencing the flu, there are other diseases, some of
which are communicable, that can cause similar symptoms. The patient
is requesting EMS transport; failure to comply constitutes abandonment. Although he is
tachycardic, the remainder of his vital signs are stable; therefore,
requesting an ALS ambulance to the scene to start an IV is not necessary. Simply
transport him in a position of comfort and monitor him en route. If the
patient is infected with HIV or hepatitis, he may choose to voluntarily disclose that
information. However, to inquire about infection with such diseases is
unethical.
✔✔When assessing a patient with an apparent behavioral crisis, the MOST important
initial observation the EMT should make is whether or
not:
A) the patient is oriented to person, place, and time.
B) the patient's residence is well kept or in disarray.
C) there is any drug paraphernalia near the patient.
D) the patient seems aggressive or verbally abusive. - ✔✔D) the patient seems
aggressive or verbally abusive.
All of the options in this question are important to assess. However, the safety of you
and your crew supersedes everything! If ANY patient is aggressive or
verbally abusive, that is a direct threat to your safety, and you should request law
enforcement personnel. It is common (and wise) for law enforcement to be
