Missouri Paramedic Licensing Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 56-year-old patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left
arm. Which action is the priority?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B. Administer oxygen immediately to all patients
C. Perform a detailed neurological exam
D. Delay treatment until IV access is obtained
Answer: A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
Rationale: Early ECG acquisition helps identify STEMI and guides
rapid reperfusion therapy decisions.
2. The primary function of surfactant in the lungs is to:
A. Increase airway resistance
B. Prevent alveolar collapse
C. Increase mucus production
, D. Decrease oxygen diffusion
Answer: B. Prevent alveolar collapse
Rationale: Surfactant reduces surface tension, keeping alveoli open
during exhalation.
3. Which rhythm is shockable in cardiac arrest?
A. Asystole
B. PEA
C. Ventricular fibrillation
D. Sinus bradycardia
Answer: C. Ventricular fibrillation
Rationale: VF and pulseless VT are shockable rhythms requiring
defibrillation.
4. The most appropriate airway for an unresponsive patient without a
gag reflex is:
A. Nasal cannula
B. Oropharyngeal airway
C. Simple face mask
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: B. Oropharyngeal airway
Rationale: OPA is used in unconscious patients without gag reflex to
maintain airway patency.
,5. Which medication is a beta-2 agonist?
A. Atropine
B. Albuterol
C. Amiodarone
D. Dopamine
Answer: B. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol causes bronchodilation via beta-2 receptor
stimulation.
6. A sign of right-sided heart failure includes:
A. Pulmonary edema
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Wheezing
D. Hypotension only
Answer: B. Jugular vein distention
Rationale: Right-sided failure causes systemic venous congestion.
7. The universal donor blood type is:
A. AB+
B. O-
C. A-
D. B+
Answer: B. O-
, Rationale: O-negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, making it
universal donor.
8. First-line treatment for anaphylaxis is:
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
C. Albuterol
D. Steroids
Answer: B. Epinephrine
Rationale: Epinephrine reverses airway swelling and hypotension
rapidly.
9. Normal adult respiratory rate is:
A. 6–10
B. 8–12
C. 12–20
D. 20–30
Answer: C. 12–20
Rationale: This is the standard resting respiratory range for adults.
10. A sign of hypoglycemia is:
A. Bradycardia
B. Diaphoresis
C. Hypertension
D. Flushed skin
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A 56-year-old patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left
arm. Which action is the priority?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B. Administer oxygen immediately to all patients
C. Perform a detailed neurological exam
D. Delay treatment until IV access is obtained
Answer: A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
Rationale: Early ECG acquisition helps identify STEMI and guides
rapid reperfusion therapy decisions.
2. The primary function of surfactant in the lungs is to:
A. Increase airway resistance
B. Prevent alveolar collapse
C. Increase mucus production
, D. Decrease oxygen diffusion
Answer: B. Prevent alveolar collapse
Rationale: Surfactant reduces surface tension, keeping alveoli open
during exhalation.
3. Which rhythm is shockable in cardiac arrest?
A. Asystole
B. PEA
C. Ventricular fibrillation
D. Sinus bradycardia
Answer: C. Ventricular fibrillation
Rationale: VF and pulseless VT are shockable rhythms requiring
defibrillation.
4. The most appropriate airway for an unresponsive patient without a
gag reflex is:
A. Nasal cannula
B. Oropharyngeal airway
C. Simple face mask
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: B. Oropharyngeal airway
Rationale: OPA is used in unconscious patients without gag reflex to
maintain airway patency.
,5. Which medication is a beta-2 agonist?
A. Atropine
B. Albuterol
C. Amiodarone
D. Dopamine
Answer: B. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol causes bronchodilation via beta-2 receptor
stimulation.
6. A sign of right-sided heart failure includes:
A. Pulmonary edema
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Wheezing
D. Hypotension only
Answer: B. Jugular vein distention
Rationale: Right-sided failure causes systemic venous congestion.
7. The universal donor blood type is:
A. AB+
B. O-
C. A-
D. B+
Answer: B. O-
, Rationale: O-negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, making it
universal donor.
8. First-line treatment for anaphylaxis is:
A. Diphenhydramine
B. Epinephrine
C. Albuterol
D. Steroids
Answer: B. Epinephrine
Rationale: Epinephrine reverses airway swelling and hypotension
rapidly.
9. Normal adult respiratory rate is:
A. 6–10
B. 8–12
C. 12–20
D. 20–30
Answer: C. 12–20
Rationale: This is the standard resting respiratory range for adults.
10. A sign of hypoglycemia is:
A. Bradycardia
B. Diaphoresis
C. Hypertension
D. Flushed skin
