Maryland Paramedic Exam With Actual
Questions & Correct Answers, Plus
Rationales/Expert Verified For
Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient with chest pain is suspected of having an acute
myocardial infarction. Which medication should be administered
first if no contraindications exist?
A. Morphine
B. Nitroglycerin
C. Aspirin
D. Heparin
Answer: C. Aspirin
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and is the first-
line treatment in suspected MI unless contraindicated.
2. What is the preferred initial airway management for an
unconscious patient without a gag reflex?
A. Nasopharyngeal airway
B. Oropharyngeal airway
C. Endotracheal intubation
D. Bag-valve-mask only
Answer: B. Oropharyngeal airway
Rationale: An oropharyngeal airway is appropriate for
unconscious patients without a gag reflex to maintain airway
patency.
,3. Which cardiac rhythm is most appropriate for defibrillation?
A. Asystole
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Sinus bradycardia
D. Pulseless electrical activity
Answer: B. Ventricular fibrillation
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm requiring
immediate defibrillation.
4. What is the normal range for adult systolic blood pressure?
A. 60–80 mmHg
B. 80–100 mmHg
C. 90–120 mmHg
D. 120–160 mmHg
Answer: C. 90–120 mmHg
Rationale: Normal adult systolic BP typically ranges from 90 to
120 mmHg.
5. Which drug is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia?
A. Epinephrine
B. Atropine
C. Dopamine
D. Lidocaine
Answer: B. Atropine
Rationale: Atropine increases heart rate by blocking vagal
stimulation.
6. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio in
adult CPR with two rescuers?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 10:1
, D. 5:1
Answer: B. 30:2
Rationale: Current guidelines recommend a 30:2 ratio for adult
CPR.
7. Which condition is characterized by unequal pupils following head
trauma?
A. Concussion
B. Cerebral contusion
C. Increased intracranial pressure
D. Skull fracture
Answer: C. Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale: Unequal pupils may indicate brain herniation due to
increased ICP.
8. What is the primary effect of epinephrine in cardiac arrest?
A. Decreases heart rate
B. Vasodilation
C. Vasoconstriction
D. Sedation
Answer: C. Vasoconstriction
Rationale: Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction, improving
coronary perfusion pressure.
9. Which airway adjunct is best tolerated in a semi-conscious
patient?
A. Oropharyngeal airway
B. Nasopharyngeal airway
C. Endotracheal tube
D. Cricothyrotomy
Answer: B. Nasopharyngeal airway
Questions & Correct Answers, Plus
Rationales/Expert Verified For
Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient with chest pain is suspected of having an acute
myocardial infarction. Which medication should be administered
first if no contraindications exist?
A. Morphine
B. Nitroglycerin
C. Aspirin
D. Heparin
Answer: C. Aspirin
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and is the first-
line treatment in suspected MI unless contraindicated.
2. What is the preferred initial airway management for an
unconscious patient without a gag reflex?
A. Nasopharyngeal airway
B. Oropharyngeal airway
C. Endotracheal intubation
D. Bag-valve-mask only
Answer: B. Oropharyngeal airway
Rationale: An oropharyngeal airway is appropriate for
unconscious patients without a gag reflex to maintain airway
patency.
,3. Which cardiac rhythm is most appropriate for defibrillation?
A. Asystole
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Sinus bradycardia
D. Pulseless electrical activity
Answer: B. Ventricular fibrillation
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm requiring
immediate defibrillation.
4. What is the normal range for adult systolic blood pressure?
A. 60–80 mmHg
B. 80–100 mmHg
C. 90–120 mmHg
D. 120–160 mmHg
Answer: C. 90–120 mmHg
Rationale: Normal adult systolic BP typically ranges from 90 to
120 mmHg.
5. Which drug is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia?
A. Epinephrine
B. Atropine
C. Dopamine
D. Lidocaine
Answer: B. Atropine
Rationale: Atropine increases heart rate by blocking vagal
stimulation.
6. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio in
adult CPR with two rescuers?
A. 15:2
B. 30:2
C. 10:1
, D. 5:1
Answer: B. 30:2
Rationale: Current guidelines recommend a 30:2 ratio for adult
CPR.
7. Which condition is characterized by unequal pupils following head
trauma?
A. Concussion
B. Cerebral contusion
C. Increased intracranial pressure
D. Skull fracture
Answer: C. Increased intracranial pressure
Rationale: Unequal pupils may indicate brain herniation due to
increased ICP.
8. What is the primary effect of epinephrine in cardiac arrest?
A. Decreases heart rate
B. Vasodilation
C. Vasoconstriction
D. Sedation
Answer: C. Vasoconstriction
Rationale: Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction, improving
coronary perfusion pressure.
9. Which airway adjunct is best tolerated in a semi-conscious
patient?
A. Oropharyngeal airway
B. Nasopharyngeal airway
C. Endotracheal tube
D. Cricothyrotomy
Answer: B. Nasopharyngeal airway
