California Paramedic Licensing Exam practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which of the following is the normal range for an adult respiratory rate?
12–20 breaths per minute
Normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20; deviations can indicate
hypoventilation or hyperventilation.
2. What is the primary action of epinephrine in anaphylaxis?
Bronchodilation and vasoconstriction
Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, reversing
airway swelling and low BP.
3. Under California EMS law, who is responsible for authorizing paramedic
scope of practice?
Local EMS Agency (LEMSA) medical director
In California, LEMSA medical directors determine scope and protocols for
their region.
4. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer adult
CPR?
30:2
, For adults, two-rescuer and one-rescuer CPR ratios remain 30
compressions to 2 breaths.
5. Which rhythm is most commonly associated with sudden cardiac arrest?
Ventricular fibrillation
V-fib is the leading rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest and requires
immediate defibrillation.
6. Which drug is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia according to ACLS
guidelines?
Atropine
Atropine blocks vagal stimulation, increasing heart rate in bradycardia.
7. In California, which agency issues paramedic licenses?
Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)
EMSA oversees statewide licensing and certification for paramedics.
8. What is the maximum single dose of nitroglycerin for chest pain without
medical control approval?
0.4 mg
Standard dose is 0.4 mg SL every 5 minutes up to 3 doses, unless
contraindicated.
9. What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious
adults?
Tongue
Loss of muscle tone allows the tongue to block the oropharynx.
10.Which IV fluid is preferred for a trauma patient with hypovolemia?
Normal saline
, NS is isotonic, restoring intravascular volume without major osmotic
shifts.
11.What is the primary goal in treating a patient with suspected STEMI in the
field?
Rapid transport to PCI-capable facility
Early reperfusion is critical; EMS should minimize scene time.
12.Which sign is most reliable for confirming endotracheal tube placement?
Capnography waveform
Waveform capnography provides continuous confirmation of proper tube
placement.
13.What is the first priority in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
Airway with C-spine control
Airway is always the first priority, but with suspected trauma, spinal
precautions are included.
14.What does PEA stand for?
Pulseless electrical activity
PEA shows organized ECG activity without a palpable pulse, indicating no
effective cardiac output.
15.In California, paramedics may administer which medication for severe
hypoglycemia without IV access?
Glucagon
Glucagon is given IM when IV dextrose cannot be administered.
, 16.Which ECG change is classic for hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves
Tall, narrow T waves are the earliest sign of elevated serum potassium.
17.Which drug is contraindicated in inferior wall myocardial infarction with RV
involvement?
Nitroglycerin
NTG can worsen hypotension by reducing preload in RV infarcts.
18.The mnemonic SAMPLE stands for what in patient assessment?
Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake,
Events
SAMPLE helps gather relevant patient history efficiently.
19.What is the correct dose of epinephrine for adult cardiac arrest?
1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes
This standard ACLS dose helps stimulate cardiac activity during arrest.
20.What is the normal systolic BP range for an adult?
90–120 mmHg
Values below 90 indicate hypotension; above 120 suggests hypertension.
21.Which type of shock is caused by loss of vascular tone?
Distributive shock
Includes septic, neurogenic, and anaphylactic shock, where vasodilation
drops BP.
22.Which spinal injury is most likely with a fall from height onto the feet?
Compression fracture
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the normal range for an adult respiratory rate?
12–20 breaths per minute
Normal adult respiratory rate is 12–20; deviations can indicate
hypoventilation or hyperventilation.
2. What is the primary action of epinephrine in anaphylaxis?
Bronchodilation and vasoconstriction
Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, reversing
airway swelling and low BP.
3. Under California EMS law, who is responsible for authorizing paramedic
scope of practice?
Local EMS Agency (LEMSA) medical director
In California, LEMSA medical directors determine scope and protocols for
their region.
4. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer adult
CPR?
30:2
, For adults, two-rescuer and one-rescuer CPR ratios remain 30
compressions to 2 breaths.
5. Which rhythm is most commonly associated with sudden cardiac arrest?
Ventricular fibrillation
V-fib is the leading rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest and requires
immediate defibrillation.
6. Which drug is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia according to ACLS
guidelines?
Atropine
Atropine blocks vagal stimulation, increasing heart rate in bradycardia.
7. In California, which agency issues paramedic licenses?
Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)
EMSA oversees statewide licensing and certification for paramedics.
8. What is the maximum single dose of nitroglycerin for chest pain without
medical control approval?
0.4 mg
Standard dose is 0.4 mg SL every 5 minutes up to 3 doses, unless
contraindicated.
9. What is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious
adults?
Tongue
Loss of muscle tone allows the tongue to block the oropharynx.
10.Which IV fluid is preferred for a trauma patient with hypovolemia?
Normal saline
, NS is isotonic, restoring intravascular volume without major osmotic
shifts.
11.What is the primary goal in treating a patient with suspected STEMI in the
field?
Rapid transport to PCI-capable facility
Early reperfusion is critical; EMS should minimize scene time.
12.Which sign is most reliable for confirming endotracheal tube placement?
Capnography waveform
Waveform capnography provides continuous confirmation of proper tube
placement.
13.What is the first priority in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
Airway with C-spine control
Airway is always the first priority, but with suspected trauma, spinal
precautions are included.
14.What does PEA stand for?
Pulseless electrical activity
PEA shows organized ECG activity without a palpable pulse, indicating no
effective cardiac output.
15.In California, paramedics may administer which medication for severe
hypoglycemia without IV access?
Glucagon
Glucagon is given IM when IV dextrose cannot be administered.
, 16.Which ECG change is classic for hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves
Tall, narrow T waves are the earliest sign of elevated serum potassium.
17.Which drug is contraindicated in inferior wall myocardial infarction with RV
involvement?
Nitroglycerin
NTG can worsen hypotension by reducing preload in RV infarcts.
18.The mnemonic SAMPLE stands for what in patient assessment?
Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake,
Events
SAMPLE helps gather relevant patient history efficiently.
19.What is the correct dose of epinephrine for adult cardiac arrest?
1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes
This standard ACLS dose helps stimulate cardiac activity during arrest.
20.What is the normal systolic BP range for an adult?
90–120 mmHg
Values below 90 indicate hypotension; above 120 suggests hypertension.
21.Which type of shock is caused by loss of vascular tone?
Distributive shock
Includes septic, neurogenic, and anaphylactic shock, where vasodilation
drops BP.
22.Which spinal injury is most likely with a fall from height onto the feet?
Compression fracture
