EMT PHTLS PRE TEST QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
Which best describes shock? - CORRECT ANSWER-Generalized inadequate tissue
perfusion
Your patient has a deep laceration to his antecubital fossa with significant bleeding what
is the most appropriate initial action? - CORRECT ANSWER-Apply direct pressure
Hypotension of an unknown etiology in a trauma patient should be assumed to result
from which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Blood loss
Which assessment is most beneficial in differentiating hemorrhagic shock from
neurogenic shock in the prehospital setting? - CORRECT ANSWER-Skin
The body initially compensates for blood loss through activation of which of the
following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Systematic nervous system
Medication used by trauma patients for pre-existing conditions may cause which of the
following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Beta Blockers may prevent tachycardia with blood
loss
The target blood pressure for a trauma patient with suspected intra-abdominal
hemorrhage is which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-80-90
Which best explains the mechanism by which gas exchange is impaired in pulmonary
contusion? - CORRECT ANSWER-Blood in the alveoli
Which of the following is a key finding that differentiates cardiac tamponade from
tension pneumothorax? - CORRECT ANSWER-Equal breaths sounds
Your patient is a 20 year old male who struck his head on a teammates knee while
diving to catch a football. He was not wearing a helmet. He demonstrates decerebrate
posturing and has a GCS of 4. His heart rate is 58, bp 180/102, and his left pupil is
dilated. What is the best ventilation rate to use when managing this patient? - CORRECT
ANSWER-20
A 20 year old female was ejected from her vehicle during a high speed rollover motor
vehicle collision. she has significant bleeding from a large laceration. Your initial
assessment reveals a GCS score of 7, systolic bp of 70 and pupils that are equal but slow
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
Which best describes shock? - CORRECT ANSWER-Generalized inadequate tissue
perfusion
Your patient has a deep laceration to his antecubital fossa with significant bleeding what
is the most appropriate initial action? - CORRECT ANSWER-Apply direct pressure
Hypotension of an unknown etiology in a trauma patient should be assumed to result
from which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Blood loss
Which assessment is most beneficial in differentiating hemorrhagic shock from
neurogenic shock in the prehospital setting? - CORRECT ANSWER-Skin
The body initially compensates for blood loss through activation of which of the
following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Systematic nervous system
Medication used by trauma patients for pre-existing conditions may cause which of the
following? - CORRECT ANSWER-Beta Blockers may prevent tachycardia with blood
loss
The target blood pressure for a trauma patient with suspected intra-abdominal
hemorrhage is which of the following? - CORRECT ANSWER-80-90
Which best explains the mechanism by which gas exchange is impaired in pulmonary
contusion? - CORRECT ANSWER-Blood in the alveoli
Which of the following is a key finding that differentiates cardiac tamponade from
tension pneumothorax? - CORRECT ANSWER-Equal breaths sounds
Your patient is a 20 year old male who struck his head on a teammates knee while
diving to catch a football. He was not wearing a helmet. He demonstrates decerebrate
posturing and has a GCS of 4. His heart rate is 58, bp 180/102, and his left pupil is
dilated. What is the best ventilation rate to use when managing this patient? - CORRECT
ANSWER-20
A 20 year old female was ejected from her vehicle during a high speed rollover motor
vehicle collision. she has significant bleeding from a large laceration. Your initial
assessment reveals a GCS score of 7, systolic bp of 70 and pupils that are equal but slow
