JB LEARNING: EMT COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED 2026/2027
1. Which of the following describes the correct pathophysiology of distributive shock?
A. A failure of the heart to pump efficiently resulting in backup of fluid into the lungs.
B. Loss of blood volume leading to decreased preload and reduced cardiac output.
C. Mechanical obstruction of the cardiac muscle preventing adequate filling or contraction.
D. Widespread vasodilation leading to a relative hypovolemia despite normal fluid volume.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Distributive shock occurs when widespread vasodilation causes
a disparity between the size of the vascular container and the volume of blood, leading to
relative hypovolemia.
2. A 68-year-old male presents with sudden onset of tearing back pain, a blood pressure of
190/110 in the right arm, and 140/90 in the left arm. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Acute Myocardial Infarction
B. Aortic Dissection
C. Pulmonary Embolism
D. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tearing pain radiating to the back and a significant difference in
blood pressure between arms are classic signs of a thoracic aortic dissection.
3. When assessing a patient with a head injury, you note a blood pressure of 180/90, a pulse
of 50, and irregular respirations. What is this triad called?
A. Becks Triad
B. Virchow’s Triad
C. Cushing’s Triad
D. The Lethal Triad
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular
respirations) indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
4. What is the physiologic effect of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) when using CPAP?
A. It keeps alveoli open at the end of expiration to improve gas exchange.
B. It decreases the work of breathing by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
C. It increases the fraction of inspired oxygen in the alveoli.
D. It increases venous return to the heart to improve cardiac output.
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: PEEP prevents alveolar collapse at the end of expiration,
increasing the surface area for gas exchange and forcing fluid out of the alveoli.
5. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for the use of CPAP?
A. History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg
C. Presence of rales upon auscultation
D. Inability of the patient to follow verbal commands
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: CPAP requires an alert patient who can maintain their own
airway and follow directions; altered mental status is a contraindication.
6. A patient in their third trimester of pregnancy is experiencing vaginal bleeding and sharp
abdominal pain. Her uterus feels rigid on palpation. What should you suspect?
A. Placenta Previa
B. Abruptio Placentae
C. Ectopic Pregnancy
D. Spontaneous Abortion
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abruptio Placentae is characterized by painful vaginal bleeding
and a rigid or ‘board-like’ uterus, whereas Placenta Previa is typically painless.
EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% VERIFIED 2026/2027
1. Which of the following describes the correct pathophysiology of distributive shock?
A. A failure of the heart to pump efficiently resulting in backup of fluid into the lungs.
B. Loss of blood volume leading to decreased preload and reduced cardiac output.
C. Mechanical obstruction of the cardiac muscle preventing adequate filling or contraction.
D. Widespread vasodilation leading to a relative hypovolemia despite normal fluid volume.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Distributive shock occurs when widespread vasodilation causes
a disparity between the size of the vascular container and the volume of blood, leading to
relative hypovolemia.
2. A 68-year-old male presents with sudden onset of tearing back pain, a blood pressure of
190/110 in the right arm, and 140/90 in the left arm. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Acute Myocardial Infarction
B. Aortic Dissection
C. Pulmonary Embolism
D. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Tearing pain radiating to the back and a significant difference in
blood pressure between arms are classic signs of a thoracic aortic dissection.
3. When assessing a patient with a head injury, you note a blood pressure of 180/90, a pulse
of 50, and irregular respirations. What is this triad called?
A. Becks Triad
B. Virchow’s Triad
C. Cushing’s Triad
D. The Lethal Triad
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular
respirations) indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP).
4. What is the physiologic effect of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) when using CPAP?
A. It keeps alveoli open at the end of expiration to improve gas exchange.
B. It decreases the work of breathing by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
C. It increases the fraction of inspired oxygen in the alveoli.
D. It increases venous return to the heart to improve cardiac output.
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: PEEP prevents alveolar collapse at the end of expiration,
increasing the surface area for gas exchange and forcing fluid out of the alveoli.
5. Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for the use of CPAP?
A. History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
B. Systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg
C. Presence of rales upon auscultation
D. Inability of the patient to follow verbal commands
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: CPAP requires an alert patient who can maintain their own
airway and follow directions; altered mental status is a contraindication.
6. A patient in their third trimester of pregnancy is experiencing vaginal bleeding and sharp
abdominal pain. Her uterus feels rigid on palpation. What should you suspect?
A. Placenta Previa
B. Abruptio Placentae
C. Ectopic Pregnancy
D. Spontaneous Abortion
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Abruptio Placentae is characterized by painful vaginal bleeding
and a rigid or ‘board-like’ uterus, whereas Placenta Previa is typically painless.
