EMT NREMT Exam Prep Practice Exam

Question 1 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the "cold zone" at a hazmat or rescue incident?

Assist the patient with their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. Class I (<15%), Class II (15–30%), Class III (30–40%), Class IV (>40%). Respirations >30/min, no radial pulse/capillary refill >2 sec, or inability to follow simple commands. The safe area where support functions like triage and treatment occur, free from contamination hazards.

Question 2 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

Why is "time last known well" critical in suspected stroke?

Severe respiratory distress, absent breath sounds on one side, tracheal deviation, jugular vein distension, hypotension. It determines eligibility for time-sensitive treatments like fibrinolytics at the hospital. Two clamps, cutting between them, about 4 inches and 6 inches from the newborn's abdomen. Ineffective, gasping respirations that are not adequate breathing and require ventilatory support.

Question 3 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the correct compression depth for an infant during CPR?

Stop the burning process, remove smoldering clothing/jewelry, cover with a dry sterile dressing. Active suicidal or homicidal ideation with a plan and means. About 1.5 inches (4 cm). 100–120 compressions per minute.

Question 4 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the correct order of assessment in the primary survey?

Slight padding under the shoulders to maintain a neutral, sniffing position. 5 points (oriented). X-massive hemorrhage (if applicable), Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — protects patient confidentiality and privacy of medical information.

Question 5 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is a major contraindication to assisting with nitroglycerin?

Hypotension (systolic BP below the protocol threshold, often <100 mmHg) or use of erectile dysfunction medications. Ensure scene safety, use verbal de-escalation, consider law enforcement assistance and restraint only per protocol. The range of duties and skills an EMT is legally permitted and trained to perform. Two clamps, cutting between them, about 4 inches and 6 inches from the newborn's abdomen.

Question 6 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the most common cause of pediatric trauma death?

Severe respiratory distress, absent breath sounds on one side, tracheal deviation, jugular vein distension, hypotension. Head injury. About 2 inches (5 cm). Hives, swelling of face/throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, hypotension, weak rapid pulse.

Question 7 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What indicates imminent delivery?

Absorbs certain ingested poisons; contraindicated if altered mental status, unable to swallow, or ingested acid/alkali/petroleum. Consent assumed for an unresponsive or incapacitated patient who would reasonably want emergency treatment. Crowning (the baby's head visible at the vaginal opening), strong urge to push, contractions less than 2 minutes apart. Status epilepticus — a medical emergency requiring rapid transport.

Question 8 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What does the mnemonic AEIOU-TIPS help recall?

The range of duties and skills an EMT is legally permitted and trained to perform. The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen (SpO2); normal is typically 95–100%. Causes of altered mental status: Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin, Overdose, Uremia, Trauma, Infection, Psychiatric, Stroke/shock. Respiratory failure/arrest (unlike adults, where cardiac causes predominate).

Question 9 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

The sudden, unexplained death of an infant under one year old, usually during sleep. Protect the patient from injury; do not restrain or place anything in the mouth. Respirations >30/min, no radial pulse/capillary refill >2 sec, or inability to follow simple commands. Two or more ribs fractured in two or more places, creating a free-floating segment that moves paradoxically.

Question 10 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is heat exhaustion?

About 1.5 inches (4 cm). Ensure no one is touching the patient ("clear!"). Red (immediate), Yellow (delayed), Green (minor/walking wounded), Black (deceased/expectant). Heat-related illness with heavy sweating, weakness, cool/clammy skin, and normal-to-slightly-elevated temperature.

Question 11 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

Why is objective, factual documentation important in a PCR?

Dry, warm, position, suction if needed, and stimulate to breathe. A life-threatening bacterial infection causing severe swelling of the epiglottis, with drooling, tripod positioning, and stridor. Assist the patient with their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. It serves as a legal record and protects the EMT; opinions/judgmental language should be avoided.

Question 12 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the normal respiratory rate for an infant?

Ensure scene safety (BSI/PPE, scene hazards, number of patients, need for additional resources). Larger tongue relative to mouth, smaller airway diameter, more anterior/superior larynx, floppy epiglottis. 30–60 breaths per minute. It serves as a legal record and protects the EMT; opinions/judgmental language should be avoided.

Question 13 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What does the primary assessment identify first?

Onset, Provocation/palliation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time. Life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure). Red, painful skin without blistering, affecting only the epidermis. Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correction (do not erase or obliterate).

Question 14 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the first step in the START triage algorithm?

Dry, warm, position, suction if needed, and stimulate to breathe. Aspirin (chewed, 162–324 mg) to reduce clot formation. Direct all walking wounded patients to a designated area (tagged Green). Keep the patient calm and still, immobilize the limb below heart level, remove constrictive items, transport promptly.

Question 15 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What are late signs of shock (decompensated shock)?

High-flow oxygen, keep patient warm, control bleeding, rapid transport. Life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure). Hypotension, altered mental status, weak/absent peripheral pulses, cyanosis. Severe pain out of proportion to injury, tightness, pallor, paresthesia, and pulselessness (late sign) in the limb.

Question 16 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the leading cause of cardiac arrest in children?

Respiratory failure/arrest (unlike adults, where cardiac causes predominate). Stabilize the object in place; do not remove it unless it obstructs the airway or interferes with CPR. Support ventilations as needed; positive pressure ventilation can help stabilize the segment; high-flow oxygen. Remove from source, administer 100% high-flow oxygen, transport promptly.

Question 17 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

How should an evisceration (protruding organs) be managed?

Terminating care of a patient without ensuring an equal or higher level of care continues. The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen (SpO2); normal is typically 95–100%. Cover with a moist, sterile dressing and an occlusive outer covering; do not push organs back in. The process of sorting patients based on severity of injury to prioritize treatment and transport.

Question 18 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is required for a minor to receive emergency treatment without parental consent?

Less than 2 seconds in adults and children (less reliable in adults, more useful in pediatrics). Implied consent applies in a true emergency, or specific state laws (e.g., emancipated minor) may allow expressed consent. Keep the patient calm and still, immobilize the limb below heart level, remove constrictive items, transport promptly. About 2 inches (5 cm).

Question 19 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the recommended position for a patient with abdominal pain?

Position of comfort, often with knees flexed. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing long-term airflow limitation. Assessing level of consciousness: Alert, responds to Verbal, responds to Pain, Unresponsive. The cord presents before the baby; position mother hips elevated/knee-chest, insert gloved fingers to relieve pressure off the cord, do not push cord back in, rapid transport.

Question 20 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What device is preferred for ventilating a non-breathing patient with a pulse?

Bag-valve-mask (BVM). Shock from spinal cord injury causing loss of vascular tone, resulting in warm skin and hypotension without tachycardia. Mandatory reporting to appropriate authorities per state law. Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

Question 21 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is placenta previa?

The placenta implants over or near the cervix, causing painless bright red vaginal bleeding. Eye opening, verbal response, motor response. Severe pain out of proportion to injury, tightness, pallor, paresthesia, and pulselessness (late sign) in the limb. A newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration).

Question 22 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

According to the Rule of Nines, what percentage of TBSA does the anterior trunk represent in an adult?

Coach slow breathing and reassure the patient; treat any underlying anxiety cause. 18%. Ensure the patient has capacity, inform of risks, document thoroughly, and have them sign a refusal form. Puncture marks, localized pain/swelling, discoloration, possible systemic symptoms (nausea, weakness).

Question 23 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

In START triage, what determines a "Red" (immediate) categorization?

4 points (spontaneous eye opening). Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correction (do not erase or obliterate). Respirations >30/min, no radial pulse/capillary refill >2 sec, or inability to follow simple commands. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts.

Question 24 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What are red flags for suspected child abuse?

Based on presence of life threats found in the primary assessment, not solely on injury appearance. Hypotension (systolic BP below the protocol threshold, often <100 mmHg) or use of erectile dysfunction medications. Support ventilations as needed; positive pressure ventilation can help stabilize the segment; high-flow oxygen. Injuries inconsistent with the stated mechanism, injuries in various healing stages, patterned bruising, delayed care-seeking.

Question 25 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the correct action if a competent adult patient refuses treatment/transport?

Ensure the patient has capacity, inform of risks, document thoroughly, and have them sign a refusal form. Protect the patient from injury; do not restrain or place anything in the mouth. Severe respiratory distress, absent breath sounds on one side, tracheal deviation, jugular vein distension, hypotension. Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes indicating inadequate oxygenation.

Question 26 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the primary EMT-Basic treatment for all types of shock?

Heat-related illness with heavy sweating, weakness, cool/clammy skin, and normal-to-slightly-elevated temperature. High-flow oxygen, keep patient warm, control bleeding, rapid transport. Keep your back straight, bend at the knees/hips, keep the load close to your body, use your legs to lift. Provides information on hazards, handling, and emergency measures for hazardous substances.

Question 27 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the recommended flow rate for a nonrebreather mask?

Larger tongue relative to mouth, smaller airway diameter, more anterior/superior larynx, floppy epiglottis. Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correction (do not erase or obliterate). Aspirin (chewed, 162–324 mg) to reduce clot formation. 10–15 liters per minute (delivers up to ~90% oxygen).

Question 28 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is hypovolemic shock?

Trauma (injury) and medical (illness) patients, affecting assessment approach. Support ventilations as needed; positive pressure ventilation can help stabilize the segment; high-flow oxygen. Dry, warm, position, suction if needed, and stimulate to breathe. Shock caused by significant loss of blood volume or fluid.

Question 29 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the correct depth of chest compressions for a child (1 year to puberty)?

About 2 inches (5 cm). The way in which a traumatic injury occurred, used to predict potential severity/type of injuries. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — protects patient confidentiality and privacy of medical information. The sudden, unexplained death of an infant under one year old, usually during sleep.

Question 30 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the field treatment for a snakebite?

Shortness of breath, crackles/rales in lungs, pink frothy sputum, jugular vein distension, peripheral edema. Shock caused by a severe systemic infection leading to vasodilation and organ dysfunction. Keep the patient calm and still, immobilize the limb below heart level, remove constrictive items, transport promptly. Contact poison control/medical direction; do not induce vomiting unless instructed.

Question 31 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What determines if a patient has "decision-making capacity"?

Individuals who provide emergency care in good faith from liability, as long as care given is within scope and without gross negligence. They are alert, oriented, and able to understand the risks/consequences of their decision. The range of duties and skills an EMT is legally permitted and trained to perform. Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

Question 32 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What are the stages of labor?

Provides information on hazards, handling, and emergency measures for hazardous substances. First stage (dilation of cervix), second stage (delivery of baby), third stage (delivery of placenta). N95 or HEPA respirator in addition to standard precautions. Numbness, tingling, paralysis, or loss of sensation/motor function below the injury site.

Question 33 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

According to the Rule of Nines, what percentage of TBSA does each leg represent in an adult?

A rapid visual assessment tool evaluating appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin. The idea that definitive care within the first hour after severe trauma improves survival outcomes. Severe abdominal pain, rigidity, guarding, rebound tenderness, nausea/vomiting. 18%.

Question 34 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

When is a tourniquet indicated?

Begin chest compressions along with ventilations (neonatal resuscitation). Severe, life-threatening extremity hemorrhage that cannot be controlled with direct pressure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing long-term airflow limitation. The way in which a traumatic injury occurred, used to predict potential severity/type of injuries.

Question 35 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

How many clamps are used before cutting the umbilical cord, and where?

Pregnancy-induced hypertension with signs including headache, visual disturbances, and swelling (edema). Individuals who provide emergency care in good faith from liability, as long as care given is within scope and without gross negligence. Two clamps, cutting between them, about 4 inches and 6 inches from the newborn's abdomen. Mandatory reporting to appropriate authorities per state law.

Question 36 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What does cyanosis indicate?

Suspected basilar skull fracture or severe facial trauma. A newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration). Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts. Bluish discoloration of skin/mucous membranes indicating inadequate oxygenation.

Question 37 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What does the incident command system (ICS) provide?

1–6 liters per minute (delivers ~24–44% oxygen). 30–60 breaths per minute. A standardized organizational structure for managing emergency incidents and multi-agency response. In an unresponsive patient with no gag reflex.

Question 38 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What are signs of a severe asthma attack?

12–20 breaths per minute. Wheezing, use of accessory muscles, tripod positioning, tachypnea, inability to speak full sentences. A legal obligation to provide care based on employment, contract, or jurisdictional statute. Hypotension, altered mental status, weak/absent peripheral pulses, cyanosis.

Question 39 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is agonal breathing?

Ensure scene safety, use verbal de-escalation, consider law enforcement assistance and restraint only per protocol. Remove wet clothing, passively rewarm, handle gently to avoid triggering cardiac arrhythmias. Ineffective, gasping respirations that are not adequate breathing and require ventilatory support. Freezing of tissue; protect the area, do not rub or rewarm if refreezing is possible, avoid direct heat.

Question 40 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What does the term "mechanism of injury" (MOI) refer to?

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, causing painful vaginal bleeding, often with dark blood. A complete, accurate patient care report (PCR). Chest pain/pressure, pain radiating to arm/jaw/back, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, nausea. The way in which a traumatic injury occurred, used to predict potential severity/type of injuries.

Question 41 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the priority when a patient has an impaled object?

5 points (oriented). Stabilize the object in place; do not remove it unless it obstructs the airway or interferes with CPR. Severe, life-threatening extremity hemorrhage that cannot be controlled with direct pressure. Emergency move (e.g., in cases of fire, explosion risk, or inability to protect airway).

Question 42 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the maximum verbal response score on GCS?

Delivery where the buttocks or feet present first instead of the head. Red (immediate), Yellow (delayed), Green (minor/walking wounded), Black (deceased/expectant). Ensure scene safety (BSI/PPE, scene hazards, number of patients, need for additional resources). 5 points (oriented).

Question 43 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What are signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?

9%. Numbness, tingling, paralysis, or loss of sensation/motor function below the injury site. Hives, swelling of face/throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, hypotension, weak rapid pulse. Upright/sitting position (high Fowler's) to ease breathing.

Question 44 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the recommended flow rate for a nasal cannula?

Stop the burning process, remove smoldering clothing/jewelry, cover with a dry sterile dressing. 1–6 liters per minute (delivers ~24–44% oxygen). Stage in a safe zone (cold zone) and provide care only after patients are decontaminated, unless trained/equipped for hot zone entry. Delivery where the buttocks or feet present first instead of the head.

Question 45 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the normal capillary refill time?

A life-threatening bacterial infection causing severe swelling of the epiglottis, with drooling, tripod positioning, and stridor. Less than 2 seconds in adults and children (less reliable in adults, more useful in pediatrics). Delivery where the buttocks or feet present first instead of the head. Aspirin (chewed, 162–324 mg) to reduce clot formation.

Question 46 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What are contraindications to administering aspirin?

Status epilepticus — a medical emergency requiring rapid transport. The range of duties and skills an EMT is legally permitted and trained to perform. The period of confusion, fatigue, or altered mental status following a seizure. Known allergy, active GI bleeding, or recent use of blood thinners that increases bleeding risk (per protocol/medical direction).

Question 47 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the recommended technique to lift a patient safely and protect your back?

12–20 breaths per minute. 30–60 breaths per minute. A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction causing widespread vasodilation and airway swelling. Keep your back straight, bend at the knees/hips, keep the load close to your body, use your legs to lift.

Question 48 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the formula to estimate minimum acceptable systolic BP for a child >1 year?

Estimating the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns in adults. 70 + (2 x age in years) mmHg. Support ventilations as needed; positive pressure ventilation can help stabilize the segment; high-flow oxygen. Consent assumed for an unresponsive or incapacitated patient who would reasonably want emergency treatment.

Question 49 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is the maximum motor response score on GCS?

Patients with an isolated injury or no significant mechanism of injury; focuses on the chief complaint. 6 points (obeys commands). Assessing level of consciousness: Alert, responds to Verbal, responds to Pain, Unresponsive. First stage (dilation of cervix), second stage (delivery of baby), third stage (delivery of placenta).

Question 50 EMT NREMT Exam Prep

What is flail chest?

Two or more ribs fractured in two or more places, creating a free-floating segment that moves paradoxically. A life-threatening buildup of air in the pleural space causing lung collapse and shift of mediastinal structures. Epinephrine via auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen). Emergency move (e.g., in cases of fire, explosion risk, or inability to protect airway).