Free Practice Questions for NREMT EMT Exam

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The patient is in hypoperfusion (shock) from blood loss. In shock states, tissues are deprived of oxygen, leading to anaerobic metabolism, which produces lactic acid as a byproduct. This causes metabolic acidosis, which is a critical sign of systemic oxygen debt.

Carbon dioxide rises with respiratory failure, but lactic acid is a more specific indicator of cellular hypoxia.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Forpediatric BLS with two rescuers, currentAHA Guidelines (2020)recommend:

Two-thumb encircling hands technique: Most effective for infants; provides consistent depth and control.

Compression ratio of 15:2: Enhances ventilation without compromising perfusion.

Compression depth: 1/3 of chest or approximatelyone-half the chest's depth.

CPR begins ifpulse <60 bpm with signs of poor perfusion, not at 72 bpm. Rate of180/minis excessive; ideal rate is100–120/min.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Children compensate for shock through increasedheart rate,respiratory rate, andvasoconstriction, which delays blood pressure drop. Therefore:

Tachycardiais often thefirst sign

Prolonged capillary refill(>2 seconds) is an early indicator

Tachypneasupports perfusion

Blood pressureis alate signin pediatric shock. SpO₂ is helpful but does not specifically indicate shock. Blood glucose may be abnormal in other metabolic conditions but is not an early marker of volume loss.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In infants, improper insertion of an OPA (oropharyngeal airway) can stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to bradycardia or even complete airway obstruction. If cyanosis and bradycardia develop after OPA insertion, immediate removal and resumption of ventilations with a bag-valve mask is critical.

The OPA must be properly sized and inserted only in patients without a gag reflex. Ventilations alone often reverse vagally induced bradycardia.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

According toPediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS) guidelinesby theAmerican Heart Association (AHA), when a child becomes unresponsive due to foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), the immediate next step is to beginchest compressions. This is donebefore checking the airway or giving breathsbecause the airway is presumed obstructed. The compressions may dislodge the object.

After 30 compressions, open the airway and check for visible objects. If none are seen, attempt rescue breaths. This protocol reflects the high risk of complete airway blockage in children with sudden collapse following a choking episode.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In patients with asthma experiencing respiratory failure, improper ventilation (especially excessive rates) can lead to air trapping and increased intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and worsening hypotension. Thecorrect techniqueis to ventilate slowly to allow full exhalation — around1 breath every 5–6 secondsfor adults.

CPAPis contraindicated in unresponsive patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Anon-rebreather maskwould be insufficient for an unresponsive patient, andforceful ventilationrisks barotrauma.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

In situations where a vehicle is tailgating an emergency unit, tapping the brakes briefly is a standard defensive driving maneuver to alert the driver behind to increase distance. It is less risky than slowing dramatically or pulling over, which could endanger crew or delay response.

Speeding up could reduce your reaction window or increase accident risk. EMS operators must follow safe driving practices per NFPA 1002 and DOT Emergency Vehicle Operation Guidelines.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Hepatitis Ais transmitted primarily via thefecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water. It leads to anacuteliver infection, not a chronic condition. Unlike Hepatitis C, which has no vaccine, Hepatitis Ahas an effective vaccineand is preventable with proper hygiene and immunization.

Hepatitis Bis spread through blood and sexual contact, not fecal-oral.Hepatitis Eis also fecal-oral but is rare in the U.S. and doesn't have a widely used vaccine.