AEMT EXAM 1 PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS 2026
◉ Principal Intracellular cation is.
Answer: Potassium (K+)
◉ Extracellular fluid (ECF).
Answer: Fluid outside of the cell, in which most of the body's supply
of SODIUM (Na+) is contained
15%-20% total body weight (25% all body fluid)
◉ Principal Extracellular cation is.
Answer: Sodium (Na+)
◉ What should you do if a patient is presenting with shallow
respirations (no other obvious life threats).
Answer: Assess airway patency (ensure open & clear)
Evaluate breathing quality & rate (confirm shallow respirations)
*Provide ventilators support with a BVM*
- deliver POSITIVE pressure ventilations
- use SUPPLEMENTAL O2 (high-flow O2)
*Assist ventilations @ appropriate rate*
,- Adult: ~10-12 breaths/min
Monitor chest rise & SpO2
Reassess frequently for improvement or deterioration
◉ What is considered adequate breathing in an adult.
Answer: Rate: 12-20 breaths/min
Regular rhythm
Adequate depth (not shallow)
Clear breath sounds bilaterally
Good chest rise & fall
SpO2 ~ >/= 94%
◉ What are signs of inadequate breathing.
Answer: Shallow respirations
Respiratory rate <10 or >20-24
Irregular breathing pattern
Poor chest rise
Diminished/absent breath sounds
Altered mental status
Cyanosis or low SpO2
◉ Oxygenation.
, Answer: Getting O2 into the blood
- Treated with supplemental O2
◉ Ventilation.
Answer: Moving air in/out of lungs (CO2 removal)
- Treated with BVM/PPV
◉ What is the priority if a patient has apnea.
Answer: Open airway immediately
Begin BVM ventilations with O2
Consider airway adjunct (OPA/NPA)
Check pulse
◉ Hypertonic solution.
Answer: A solution with a higher solute (electrolytes) concentration
compared with another solution
◉ Hypotonic solution.
Answer: A solution with a lower solute (electrolytes) concentration
compared with another solution
◉ Isotonic solution.
DETAILED EXPLANATIONS 2026
◉ Principal Intracellular cation is.
Answer: Potassium (K+)
◉ Extracellular fluid (ECF).
Answer: Fluid outside of the cell, in which most of the body's supply
of SODIUM (Na+) is contained
15%-20% total body weight (25% all body fluid)
◉ Principal Extracellular cation is.
Answer: Sodium (Na+)
◉ What should you do if a patient is presenting with shallow
respirations (no other obvious life threats).
Answer: Assess airway patency (ensure open & clear)
Evaluate breathing quality & rate (confirm shallow respirations)
*Provide ventilators support with a BVM*
- deliver POSITIVE pressure ventilations
- use SUPPLEMENTAL O2 (high-flow O2)
*Assist ventilations @ appropriate rate*
,- Adult: ~10-12 breaths/min
Monitor chest rise & SpO2
Reassess frequently for improvement or deterioration
◉ What is considered adequate breathing in an adult.
Answer: Rate: 12-20 breaths/min
Regular rhythm
Adequate depth (not shallow)
Clear breath sounds bilaterally
Good chest rise & fall
SpO2 ~ >/= 94%
◉ What are signs of inadequate breathing.
Answer: Shallow respirations
Respiratory rate <10 or >20-24
Irregular breathing pattern
Poor chest rise
Diminished/absent breath sounds
Altered mental status
Cyanosis or low SpO2
◉ Oxygenation.
, Answer: Getting O2 into the blood
- Treated with supplemental O2
◉ Ventilation.
Answer: Moving air in/out of lungs (CO2 removal)
- Treated with BVM/PPV
◉ What is the priority if a patient has apnea.
Answer: Open airway immediately
Begin BVM ventilations with O2
Consider airway adjunct (OPA/NPA)
Check pulse
◉ Hypertonic solution.
Answer: A solution with a higher solute (electrolytes) concentration
compared with another solution
◉ Hypotonic solution.
Answer: A solution with a lower solute (electrolytes) concentration
compared with another solution
◉ Isotonic solution.
