EMT MIDTERM EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED 2026/2027
1. A 45-year-old male is found unresponsive with snoring respirations. After manually
opening the airway, you notice secretions in the oropharynx. You should suction for no longer
than:
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 15 seconds in adults to prevent
excessive hypoxia. If secretions persist, oxygenate the patient before suctioning again.
2. Which of the following describes the proper technique for measuring an Oropharyngeal
Airway (OPA)?
A. From the tip of the nose to the earlobe
B. From the corner of the mouth to the earlobe
,C. From the center of the mouth to the angle of the jaw
D. From the bridge of the nose to the chin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An OPA is measured from the corner of the patient’s mouth to
the earlobe or the angle of the jaw.
3. A patient presents with hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations following a
head injury. This constellation of signs is known as:
A. Beck’s Triad
B. Cushing’s Triad
C. The Lethal Triad
D. Virchow’s Triad
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular
respirations) is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure.
4. During the primary assessment, you encounter a patient with a massive spurting
hemorrhage from the femoral artery. Your first action should be:
A. Apply high-flow oxygen
B. Apply direct pressure
C. Open the airway
, D. Check for a distal pulse
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In cases of life-threatening hemorrhage, the sequence changes
from ABC to CAB, and immediate bleeding control via direct pressure or a tourniquet is the
priority.
5. Which of the following is a contraindication for the administration of Nitroglycerin?
A. Systolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute
C. Use of erectile dysfunction medication within 24-48 hours
D. Patient has already taken one dose of their own Nitro
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (ED meds) cause significant
vasodilation and, when combined with Nitroglycerin, can cause fatal hypotension.
6. A patient is breathing at a rate of 6 breaths per minute with shallow depth. The most
appropriate intervention is:
A. Positive pressure ventilation with a BVM
B. Oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min
C. Oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
D. Monitoring with continuous pulse oximetry
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED 2026/2027
1. A 45-year-old male is found unresponsive with snoring respirations. After manually
opening the airway, you notice secretions in the oropharynx. You should suction for no longer
than:
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Suctioning should be limited to 15 seconds in adults to prevent
excessive hypoxia. If secretions persist, oxygenate the patient before suctioning again.
2. Which of the following describes the proper technique for measuring an Oropharyngeal
Airway (OPA)?
A. From the tip of the nose to the earlobe
B. From the corner of the mouth to the earlobe
,C. From the center of the mouth to the angle of the jaw
D. From the bridge of the nose to the chin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An OPA is measured from the corner of the patient’s mouth to
the earlobe or the angle of the jaw.
3. A patient presents with hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations following a
head injury. This constellation of signs is known as:
A. Beck’s Triad
B. Cushing’s Triad
C. The Lethal Triad
D. Virchow’s Triad
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular
respirations) is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure.
4. During the primary assessment, you encounter a patient with a massive spurting
hemorrhage from the femoral artery. Your first action should be:
A. Apply high-flow oxygen
B. Apply direct pressure
C. Open the airway
, D. Check for a distal pulse
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In cases of life-threatening hemorrhage, the sequence changes
from ABC to CAB, and immediate bleeding control via direct pressure or a tourniquet is the
priority.
5. Which of the following is a contraindication for the administration of Nitroglycerin?
A. Systolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg
B. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute
C. Use of erectile dysfunction medication within 24-48 hours
D. Patient has already taken one dose of their own Nitro
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (ED meds) cause significant
vasodilation and, when combined with Nitroglycerin, can cause fatal hypotension.
6. A patient is breathing at a rate of 6 breaths per minute with shallow depth. The most
appropriate intervention is:
A. Positive pressure ventilation with a BVM
B. Oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min
C. Oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
D. Monitoring with continuous pulse oximetry