NREMT PRACTICE EXAM – QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES | EXAM PREP | STUDY
GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
1. You arrive at the scene of a two-vehicle collision. A 32-year-old male is conscious but
restless. He has shallow respirations at 32 breaths/min, cool clammy skin, and a weak
radial pulse. What should be your immediate priority after ensuring scene safety?
A. Obtain a complete SAMPLE history.
B. Apply a cervical collar and splint the extremities.
C. Open and maintain the airway while administering high-concentration oxygen.
D. Measure blood glucose.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Open and maintain the airway while administering high-
concentration oxygen.
RATIONALE:
The patient shows signs of shock and respiratory compromise. Airway and breathing always
take priority during the primary assessment. Oxygenation and airway management should be
initiated before obtaining a detailed history or addressing secondary injuries unless
catastrophic bleeding is present.
════════════════════
2. A patient suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally. You confirm
the absence of a pulse. What is the next appropriate action?
A. Begin high-quality CPR immediately.
B. Insert an oropharyngeal airway.
C. Obtain a full set of vital signs.
D. Administer oxygen with a nonrebreather mask.
,════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Begin high-quality CPR immediately.
RATIONALE:
Cardiac arrest requires immediate initiation of high-quality CPR. Airway adjuncts, oxygen
administration, and additional assessments are important but must not delay chest
compressions, which are the most critical intervention for improving survival.
════════════════════
3. A 68-year-old woman reports sudden crushing substernal chest pain that radiates to her
left arm. She is alert, has a blood pressure of 132/84 mmHg, and denies any allergy to
aspirin. Which intervention should be performed first?
A. Assist with nitroglycerin immediately.
B. Administer aspirin if no contraindications exist.
C. Delay treatment until a 12-lead ECG is obtained.
D. Encourage the patient to walk to the ambulance.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer aspirin if no contraindications exist.
RATIONALE:
Aspirin has been shown to reduce mortality in suspected acute coronary syndrome by
inhibiting platelet aggregation. Nitroglycerin may also be indicated but should follow an
appropriate assessment and confirmation that no contraindications exist.
════════════════════
4. During your assessment of a trauma patient, you identify bright red blood spurting from
a deep laceration to the thigh. What should you do first?
A. Apply direct pressure to the wound.
B. Splint the injured extremity.
C. Apply an ice pack.
D. Cover the wound with a loose dressing.
════════════════════
, CORRECT ANSWER: A. Apply direct pressure to the wound.
RATIONALE:
Life-threatening external hemorrhage must be controlled immediately. Direct pressure is the
initial intervention for severe bleeding. If ineffective, a tourniquet may be indicated depending
on the situation and local protocols.
════════════════════
5. A patient with a history of asthma is speaking only one or two words at a time and has
widespread wheezing. Which finding suggests severe respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min.
B. Ability to speak in full sentences.
C. One- to two-word responses with accessory muscle use.
D. Mild expiratory wheezes without dyspnea.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: C. One- to two-word responses with accessory muscle use.
RATIONALE:
Patients who can speak only a few words before taking another breath are demonstrating
significant respiratory compromise. Accessory muscle use and difficulty speaking indicate
increased work of breathing and the need for prompt intervention.
════════════════════
6. While transporting a diabetic patient, you find that she is confused, diaphoretic, and able
to swallow. Her blood glucose level is 48 mg/dL. What is the most appropriate
intervention?
A. Encourage exercise.
B. Administer oral glucose according to protocol.
C. Restrict oral intake.
D. Delay treatment until arrival at the emergency department.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer oral glucose according to protocol.
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES | EXAM PREP | STUDY
GUIDE | PRACTICE TEST
1. You arrive at the scene of a two-vehicle collision. A 32-year-old male is conscious but
restless. He has shallow respirations at 32 breaths/min, cool clammy skin, and a weak
radial pulse. What should be your immediate priority after ensuring scene safety?
A. Obtain a complete SAMPLE history.
B. Apply a cervical collar and splint the extremities.
C. Open and maintain the airway while administering high-concentration oxygen.
D. Measure blood glucose.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Open and maintain the airway while administering high-
concentration oxygen.
RATIONALE:
The patient shows signs of shock and respiratory compromise. Airway and breathing always
take priority during the primary assessment. Oxygenation and airway management should be
initiated before obtaining a detailed history or addressing secondary injuries unless
catastrophic bleeding is present.
════════════════════
2. A patient suddenly becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally. You confirm
the absence of a pulse. What is the next appropriate action?
A. Begin high-quality CPR immediately.
B. Insert an oropharyngeal airway.
C. Obtain a full set of vital signs.
D. Administer oxygen with a nonrebreather mask.
,════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Begin high-quality CPR immediately.
RATIONALE:
Cardiac arrest requires immediate initiation of high-quality CPR. Airway adjuncts, oxygen
administration, and additional assessments are important but must not delay chest
compressions, which are the most critical intervention for improving survival.
════════════════════
3. A 68-year-old woman reports sudden crushing substernal chest pain that radiates to her
left arm. She is alert, has a blood pressure of 132/84 mmHg, and denies any allergy to
aspirin. Which intervention should be performed first?
A. Assist with nitroglycerin immediately.
B. Administer aspirin if no contraindications exist.
C. Delay treatment until a 12-lead ECG is obtained.
D. Encourage the patient to walk to the ambulance.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer aspirin if no contraindications exist.
RATIONALE:
Aspirin has been shown to reduce mortality in suspected acute coronary syndrome by
inhibiting platelet aggregation. Nitroglycerin may also be indicated but should follow an
appropriate assessment and confirmation that no contraindications exist.
════════════════════
4. During your assessment of a trauma patient, you identify bright red blood spurting from
a deep laceration to the thigh. What should you do first?
A. Apply direct pressure to the wound.
B. Splint the injured extremity.
C. Apply an ice pack.
D. Cover the wound with a loose dressing.
════════════════════
, CORRECT ANSWER: A. Apply direct pressure to the wound.
RATIONALE:
Life-threatening external hemorrhage must be controlled immediately. Direct pressure is the
initial intervention for severe bleeding. If ineffective, a tourniquet may be indicated depending
on the situation and local protocols.
════════════════════
5. A patient with a history of asthma is speaking only one or two words at a time and has
widespread wheezing. Which finding suggests severe respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min.
B. Ability to speak in full sentences.
C. One- to two-word responses with accessory muscle use.
D. Mild expiratory wheezes without dyspnea.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: C. One- to two-word responses with accessory muscle use.
RATIONALE:
Patients who can speak only a few words before taking another breath are demonstrating
significant respiratory compromise. Accessory muscle use and difficulty speaking indicate
increased work of breathing and the need for prompt intervention.
════════════════════
6. While transporting a diabetic patient, you find that she is confused, diaphoretic, and able
to swallow. Her blood glucose level is 48 mg/dL. What is the most appropriate
intervention?
A. Encourage exercise.
B. Administer oral glucose according to protocol.
C. Restrict oral intake.
D. Delay treatment until arrival at the emergency department.
════════════════════
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Administer oral glucose according to protocol.
