West Coast EMT Block ACTUAL Exam 1 2026
Questions with Correct Answers and Rationales
QUESTION 1
An EMT is assessing a patient with a suspected head injury. The patient
responds to painful stimuli by flexing their arms inward. This is documented
as:
A. Decerebrate posturing
B. Decorticate posturing
C. Normal motor response
D. Spinal shock
Correct Answer: B. Decorticate posturing
*Rationale: * Decorticate posturing (flexion) is characterized by flexion of
the arms, wrists, and fingers with internal rotation of the lower extremities.
It indicates damage to the corticospinal tracts above the brainstem.
Decerebrate posturing (extension) indicates more severe brainstem damage
and has a poorer prognosis.
QUESTION 2
,The EMT is caring for a patient with a history of COPD who is experiencing
respiratory distress. Which of the following is a contraindication to high-
flow oxygen in this patient?
A. Oxygen saturation of 88%
B. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min
C. The patient's reliance on a hypoxic drive
D. The patient's use of accessory muscles
*Correct Answer: C. The patient's reliance on a hypoxic drive
*Rationale: * Patients with COPD may rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe
(low oxygen levels stimulate breathing). High-flow oxygen can suppress this
drive, leading to respiratory depression and carbon dioxide retention.
Oxygen should be titrated to maintain SpO2 between 88-92%.
QUESTION 3
Which of the following is the correct method for opening the airway in a
patient with suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Head-tilt chin-lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Modified jaw-thrust with neck extension
D. Neck extension with head tilt
,*Correct Answer: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
*Rationale: * The jaw-thrust maneuver is the preferred method for opening
the airway in patients with suspected cervical spine injury because it does
not involve moving the neck. The rescuer places their fingers behind the
angles of the mandible and lifts the jaw forward.
QUESTION 4
A patient is in cardiac arrest and the AED advises "No shock advised." What
is the next action?
A. Continue CPR
B. Check for a pulse
C. Reanalyze the rhythm immediately
D. Terminate resuscitation efforts
*Correct Answer: A. Continue CPR
*Rationale: * When the AED advises "No shock advised," it indicates that
the rhythm is not shockable (asystole or pulseless electrical activity). The
rescuer should immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes before reanalyzing
the rhythm. A pulse check is not indicated unless there are signs of return
of spontaneous circulation.
QUESTION 5
, A patient with a history of diabetes is found unresponsive. The patient has a
medical alert bracelet and a glucometer with a reading of "HIGH." Which of
the following is the priority intervention?
A. Administer oral glucose
B. Administer insulin
C. Establish an airway
D. Transport immediately
*Correct Answer: C. Establish an airway
*Rationale: * The priority in any unresponsive patient is to establish and
maintain a patent airway. While this patient is likely experiencing
hyperglycemia, airway management takes precedence. Insulin should only
be administered by ALS providers, and oral glucose cannot be given to an
unresponsive patient.
QUESTION 6
The EMT is preparing to suction a patient's airway. Which of the following is
the correct maximum suction time?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
Questions with Correct Answers and Rationales
QUESTION 1
An EMT is assessing a patient with a suspected head injury. The patient
responds to painful stimuli by flexing their arms inward. This is documented
as:
A. Decerebrate posturing
B. Decorticate posturing
C. Normal motor response
D. Spinal shock
Correct Answer: B. Decorticate posturing
*Rationale: * Decorticate posturing (flexion) is characterized by flexion of
the arms, wrists, and fingers with internal rotation of the lower extremities.
It indicates damage to the corticospinal tracts above the brainstem.
Decerebrate posturing (extension) indicates more severe brainstem damage
and has a poorer prognosis.
QUESTION 2
,The EMT is caring for a patient with a history of COPD who is experiencing
respiratory distress. Which of the following is a contraindication to high-
flow oxygen in this patient?
A. Oxygen saturation of 88%
B. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min
C. The patient's reliance on a hypoxic drive
D. The patient's use of accessory muscles
*Correct Answer: C. The patient's reliance on a hypoxic drive
*Rationale: * Patients with COPD may rely on a hypoxic drive to breathe
(low oxygen levels stimulate breathing). High-flow oxygen can suppress this
drive, leading to respiratory depression and carbon dioxide retention.
Oxygen should be titrated to maintain SpO2 between 88-92%.
QUESTION 3
Which of the following is the correct method for opening the airway in a
patient with suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Head-tilt chin-lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Modified jaw-thrust with neck extension
D. Neck extension with head tilt
,*Correct Answer: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
*Rationale: * The jaw-thrust maneuver is the preferred method for opening
the airway in patients with suspected cervical spine injury because it does
not involve moving the neck. The rescuer places their fingers behind the
angles of the mandible and lifts the jaw forward.
QUESTION 4
A patient is in cardiac arrest and the AED advises "No shock advised." What
is the next action?
A. Continue CPR
B. Check for a pulse
C. Reanalyze the rhythm immediately
D. Terminate resuscitation efforts
*Correct Answer: A. Continue CPR
*Rationale: * When the AED advises "No shock advised," it indicates that
the rhythm is not shockable (asystole or pulseless electrical activity). The
rescuer should immediately resume CPR for 2 minutes before reanalyzing
the rhythm. A pulse check is not indicated unless there are signs of return
of spontaneous circulation.
QUESTION 5
, A patient with a history of diabetes is found unresponsive. The patient has a
medical alert bracelet and a glucometer with a reading of "HIGH." Which of
the following is the priority intervention?
A. Administer oral glucose
B. Administer insulin
C. Establish an airway
D. Transport immediately
*Correct Answer: C. Establish an airway
*Rationale: * The priority in any unresponsive patient is to establish and
maintain a patent airway. While this patient is likely experiencing
hyperglycemia, airway management takes precedence. Insulin should only
be administered by ALS providers, and oral glucose cannot be given to an
unresponsive patient.
QUESTION 6
The EMT is preparing to suction a patient's airway. Which of the following is
the correct maximum suction time?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 20 seconds
