EMT Exam Questions
SARS cross-contamination from the patient to the provider can be reduced if the EMT takes the precaution of donning: A. gloves, wearing a surgical mask, and hand washing B. gloves and eye protection. C. gloves only. D. gloves, using eye protection, and wearing a surgical mask.
D. gloves, using eye protection, and wearing a surgical mask.
How often should the EMT have a purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculin test done? A. Every 18 months B. Every 6 months C. Every 24 months D. Every 12 months
D. Every 12 months
The warning signs of stress include: A. increased appetite. B. intense concentration on work. C. the need for interaction with family and friends. D. loss of sexual desire or interest.
D. loss of sexual desire or interest.
The EMT gains the authority to render care from the: A. base hospital. B. NHTSA. C. supervisor. D. medical director.
D. medical director.
In which one of the following situations should the emergency medical technician (EMT) call for law enforcement assistance? A. A patient is involved in a domestic dispute. B. A patient is experiencing anxiety. C. A patient is angry. D. A patient is under the influence of drugs.
A. A patient is involved in a domestic dispute.
A wife has just learned of the death of her husband. She begins to scream and cry. She states, "Why me?" This best describes which stage of grief? A. Anger B. Bargaining C. Acceptance D. Denial
A. Anger
Which of these activities would carry the highest risk of patient injury if the EMT were to perform it incorrectly? A. Carrying and moving patients B. Providing spinal immobilization C. Conducting a patient history D. Taking vital signs
A. Carrying and moving patients
When documenting the patient's history, the EMT mixed up the patient's medications with medications to which she is allergic. What type of patient safety error is this? A. Communication error B. Inappropriate care error C. Failure to follow through error D. Handoff error
A. Communication error
What is the BEST way to get your family and friends to understand the nature of your work? A. Encourage them to ask questions and explain to them how you feel about what you do. B. Tell them every day that you love saving lives, and if they do not understand that, then you'll have to move out. C. Understand that those in EMS do not often understand EMS, and as such, trying to explain it is useless. D. Realize they will never understand what you do, but realize after time they will just learn to accept it.
A. Encourage them to ask questions and explain to them how you feel about what you do.
Which of the following types of medicine focus on research to provide proof that medical treatments rendered improves patient outcomes? A. Evidence-based medicine B. Peer-reviewed studies C. Clinical observation D. Anecdotal evidence
A. Evidence-based medicine
Of the four levels of prehospital emergency medical training, the level of training that allows for forming a field impression and providing invasive and drug interventions is the: A. Paramedic level. B. Advanced EMT level. C. Emergency Medical Technician level. D. Emergency Medical Responder level.
A. Paramedic level
How can a buddy system with a coworker in EMS help you reduce job-related stress? A. You both keep an eye on each other, looking for signs of stress. B. You both work the same shift so that you have the same experiences. C. You both watch the actions of management and warn each other if one is about to get into trouble. D. You both take time and spend it with each other's family.
A. You both keep an eye on each other, looking for signs of stress.
The FIRST priority regarding scene safety is to ensure the safety of which individual(s)? A. Yourself B. The patient's family C. Innocent bystanders D. The patient
A. Yourself
According to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, an Advanced EMT should be trained to: A. administer medications intravenously. B. initiate cardiac pacing. C. perform a needle jet insufflation. D. decompress a chest cavity.
A. administer medications intravenously.
A state of exhaustion and irritability that develops over a longer period of time and can markedly decrease one's effectiveness in delivering emergency medical care is referred to as: A. burnout. B. anguish. C. stress. D. eustress.
A. burnout
The single MOST important way you can prevent the spread of infection is by: A. hand washing before and after emergency runs. B. always wearing latex gloves. C. always wearing gloves and a surgical-type mask. D. placing a surgical mask on the patient.
A. hand washing before and after emergency runs.
The NHTSA Technical Assistance Program Assessment Standards for EMS systems address the resource management component by stating that each state must: A. have central control of EMS resources so that each locality and all patients have equal access to acceptable emergency care. B. develop a system of specialized care for trauma patients. C. have laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that govern its EMS system. D. identify a physician as a medical director to provide medical oversight.
A. have central control of EMS resources so that each locality and all patients have equal access to acceptable emergency care.
Off-line medical direction may be provided through: A. standing orders. B. medical direction by phone. C. medical direction by radio. D. call review.
A. standing orders.
Emergency medical care has developed from the days when the local funeral home provided ambulance service to the current, modern EMS system. Major improvements in emergency medical care over the years include all of the following EXCEPT: A. use of faster driving speeds during an emergency response to the calls. B. EMS becoming part of the continuum of patient care. C. patient care beginning at the scene of the illness or injury. D. prompt response from educated prehospital professionals.
A. use faster driving speeds during an emergency response to the calls
As an EMT, if you pick up numerous shifts of "on-call" or "call-in" time on your days off in which you may have to respond suddenly to the station for an emergency, what response would be likely from your family from this stressor? A. "You can't be the only one on call; let someone else go this time." B. "Be careful going to work today, and don't worry what time you get home." C. "Why don't you just stay at the station and sleep there this time." D. "I don't understand why you do what you do; I'm just proud that you are doing it."
A. "You can't be the only one on call; let someone else go this time."
You have arrived on scene for a two car MVC in which a patient is entrapped in one of the cars and is severely injured. He keeps fading in and out of consciousness. During one of his lucid periods, he asks you if he will be OK. What is the EMT's MOST appropriate response? A. "You're badly hurt, and we are doing everything we can to get you out of here and to a hospital. But don't you give up." B. "Honestly, I think you may not survive your injuries; is there any message you want me to pass on to your family?" C. "I think you'll be fine; hang in there." D. "I don't know if you'll live, but you need to want to live if you wish to see your family again."
A. "You're badly hurt, and we are doing everything we can to get you out of here and to a hospital. But don't you give up."
Which of the following would NOT be an example of the personal traits expected of the professional EMT? A. A stable person with good judgment B. A nervous person who does not like to improvise C. A calm and reassuring personality D. A resourceful person who is a good listener
B. A nervous person who does not like to improvise
How often should the EMT receive a prophylactic tetanus vaccination? A. Every 2 years B. Every 5 years C. Every 10 years D. Every 7 years
C. Every 10 years
Your agency has recently been researching the use of the prophylactic use of backboards. Valid and reliable sources recommend that backboards should be used less frequently. Which one of the following should be done next? A. Survey emergency department physicians in your region. B. Change the respective protocols. C. Confirm the research meets NHTSA standards. D. Submit an evidence-based medicine approval form to the NREMT.
B. Change the respective protocols.
Which one of the situations below requires the emergency medical technician (EMT) to use a gown? A. Pneumonia B. Childbirth C. Tuberculosis D. Zika virus disease
B. Childbirth
Which of the following is NOT a type of stress reaction that the EMT may experience as a result of stressors encountered within the profession? A. Cumulative stress reaction B. Chronic stress reaction C. Acute stress reaction D. Delayed stress reaction
B. Chronic stress reaction
Your spouse states, "Your job is more important than your family!" Which one of the following feelings is your spouse most likely experiencing? A. Lack of understanding B. Fear of separation C. Worry about on-call situations D. Inability to plan
B. Fear of separation
Hookworm is an example of what type of pathogen infection? A. Fungi B. Helminths C. Protozoa D. Virus
B. Helminths
What is the first public health responsibility? A. Designing a prevention strategy B. Identifying a problem that affects a specific population C. Evaluating the local EMS capabilities D. Educating the target population that is at risk
B. Identifying a problem that affects a specific population
Which statement best describes a recognized step in a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)? A. It is best conducted by your upper EMS administration team. B. It includes a plan of action phase. C. It is ideally held within 12 hours after the incident. D. It should include detailed minutes and a roster to be forwarded to supervisors.
B. It includes a plan of action phase.
Which one of the following is considered a limitation of evidence-based medicine? A. Support for change B. Minimal availability of research data C. Lack of questions that need to be answered D. Reliable, valid evidence
B. Minimal availability of research data
What U.S. entity established guidelines that require certain precautions be taken to prevent the transmission of disease through contact with body fluids? A. Pathology and disease control B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration C. The Surgeon General D. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Which of the following cleaning methods kills all microorganisms on the surface of an object? A. Cleaning B. Sterilization C. Disinfection D. Purification
B. Sterilization
Exercising, eating a healthy diet, using relaxation techniques, and seeking professional counseling are all ways of managing what influence in your life that happens when you're an EMT? A. Cancer B. Stress C. Critical infections D. Anorexia
B. Stress
You are mentoring an EMT student who is doing a ride-along shift with you. He mentions that they are talking about "wellness" in class, but he thinks that it means the same thing as "healthy." Which statement is NOT a description of what wellness is? A. Physical and mental well-being B. The absence of disease C. Social and environmental well-being D. Intellectual and emotional well-being
B. The absence of disease
Exhaustion and irritability caused by prolonged periods of stress is called: A. delirium. B. burnout. C. acute stress reaction. D. delayed stress reaction.
B. burnout.
The process of washing a soiled medical instrument or equipment with soap and water is known as: A. purification. B. cleaning. C. sterilization. D. disinfection.
B. cleaning
An EMS service has decided to staff a clinic at the county fair. This is an example of A. public education. B. community paramedicine. C. evidence-based guidelines. D. a public health initiative.
B. community paramedicine.
During the transport of a patient to the hospital, you should: A. use lights and siren to minimize transport time. B. notify the receiving facility of the nature and extent of injuries. C. allow family members to ride in the patient compartment. D. obtain the patient's insurance information.
B. notify the receiving facility of the nature and extent of injuries.
The EMT's FIRST and MOST important priority is: A. proper vehicle maintenance. B. personal safety. C. patient welfare. D. the safety of other rescuers.
B. personal safety.
Integrity, empathy, and effective time management are examples of an EMT's: A. physical demands. B. professional behaviors. C. patient care advocacy. D. knowledge and skills.
B. professional behaviors.
As an EMT, your role in quality improvement includes all of the following EXCEPT: A. checking the AED for expired chest pads or dead batteries. B. withholding important information from your CQI officer because it pertains to your partner. C. carefully and thoroughly documenting each call. D. participating in continuing education.
B. withholding important information from your CQI officer because it pertains to your partner.
You are transporting a patient who has just been diagnosed with a terminal condition. The patient appears distant and sad. Which stage of grief is this patient most likely experiencing? A. Bargaining B. Denial C. Depression D. Acceptance
C. Depression
Of the four nationally recognized levels of EMS training, which one has the least number of skills taught? A. Emergency Medical Technician B. Paramedic C. Emergency Medical Responder D. Advanced EMT
C. Emergency Medical Responder
You arrive on scene of an MVC involving a tanker truck. You notice that there is placard on the damaged vehicle. What reference should you use to look up the placards? A. Placard Reference Guidebook B. Hazardous Material Reference Guide C. Emergency Response Guidebook D. Response to Hazardous Materials
C. Emergency Response Guidebook
Which step in the evidence-based medicine process deals with the concept of deciding what aspect of emergency medicine to investigate? A. Appraise evidence for validity and reliability. B. Change of protocol based on the research outcome. C. Formulate a question. D. Search medical literature.
C. Formulate a question.
What does an enhanced 911 system allow the emergency dispatcher to perform? A. Provide step-by-step CPR instructions to the caller. B. Respond to the scene of a medical incident much quicker. C. Immediately access the phone number and address from which the call is being made. D. Contact police, fire, and EMS personnel simultaneously.
C. Immediately access the phone number and address from which the call is being made.
What was the effect of the publication of Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society on modern-day EMS? A. The American Heart Association began training the public in CPR. B. The federal government created the Department of Health and Public Safety. C. It served as a catalyst for improving ambulance systems. D. It identified that many people were dying due to crashes while traveling by airplane.
C. It served as a catalyst for improving ambulance systems.
What is the official name for the physician who assumes responsibility for all patient care aspects within a specific EMS system? A. Medical administrator B. Physician on call C. Medical director D. Chief of staff
C. Medical director
Which one of the following documents was written with the intent to seek support to elevate the science of EMS and prehospital care to the next level? A. National Guidelines for Evidence-Based Medicine B. The Recommendations for EMS Science and Research C. National EMS Research Agenda D. The White Paper
C. National EMS Research Agenda
If a bystander summons EMS using a mobile phone, and the EMS dispatcher is able to view the caller's latitude and longitude coordinates, what FCC rules has this wireless provider utilized? A. Phase I enhanced 911 B. Enhanced 911 C. Phase II enhanced 911 D. Basic 911
C. Phase II enhanced 911
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding disposable equipment? A. To prevent accidental sticks, recap any used needles before disposing of them. B. Use disposable equipment only when absolutely necessary. C. Place used equipment in a plastic bag labeled as biohazardous waste. D. It is all right to reuse disposable equipment if you clean it properly.
C. Place used equipment in a plastic bag labeled as biohazardous waste.
One of the EMTs at the station has been cited by the medical director for sloppy, incomplete, and sometimes inaccurate patient care documentation practices. Why does this pose a risk to patient safety? A. Failure to document properly can make it easier for the EMS system to be successfully sued. B. The service is worried about justifying the cost of equipment it currently uses. C. Poor communication can lead to misunderstanding and medical errors. D. The EMS service cannot bill for sloppy report forms, which lowers the reimbursement rate and jeopardizes future equipment purchases.
C. Poor communication can lead to misunderstanding and medical errors.
What is the one specific personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be used for every patient contact? A. Eye protection B. Gowns C. Protective gloves D. Masks
C. Protective gloves
What is the name of the program that EMS services should establish in order to better assess the ongoing efficiency of care they are rendering to patients? A. Trauma registry B. Continuing education C. Quality improvement D. Enhanced 911
C. Quality improvement
What is one of the BEST ways for an EMT to avoid burnout? A. Always keep prescription antianxiety medications available. B. Do not talk about the stressors of the job to anyone other than a professional counselor. C. Recognize the signs of stress when they develop and seek help. D. Avoid stressful types of patient contacts or situations for a few months.
C. Recognize the signs of stress when they develop and seek help.
Which step in the evidence-based medicine process focuses on the concept of determining what is already known about a particular intervention or situation? A. Formulate a question. B. Change of protocol based on the research outcome. C. Search medical literature. D. Appraise evidence for validity and reliability.
C. Search medical literature.
Which of the following modes of transmission of hepatitis should be of low concern or risk to the EMT while working? A. Human bite B. Needlestick C. Sexual contact D. Contact with infected blood
C. Sexual contact
To receive the highest quality of care, some patients need to be transported to special facilities, such as patients who have: A. broken a long bone. B. been exposed to extremes of cold or heat. C. been critically burned or had a stroke. D. a diabetic emergency.
C. been critically burned or had a stroke.
The person who is legally responsible for the clinical and patient care aspects of the EMS system is the: A. state EMS official. B. EMS supervisor. C. medical director. D. EMT.
C. medical director
The comprehensive term for the responsibilities of the EMS system's medical director is A. protocol administration. B. prehospital surveillance. C. medical oversight. D. physician management.
C. medical oversight
All 911 calls placed on normal landline phones are routed to the: A. nearest law enforcement dispatch center. B. phone company's customer service center. C. public safety answering point. D. phone company's operator.
C. public safety answering point.
An example of a population or group at greatest risk for injuries from falls would be: A. American Indians. B. infants. C. the elderly. D. people who live on farms.
C. the elderly.
The technical assistance program assessment standard that specifies that each trauma patient must be transported to an appropriate medical facility capable of handling trauma is: A. human resources and training. B. regulation and policy. C. trauma systems. D. transportation.
C. trauma systems.
How long after a critical incident should defusing take place? A. 24 to 72 hours B. 6 to 10 hours C. 30 to 45 minutes D. 1 to 4 hours
D. 1 to 4 hours
To gain the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, it is necessary to reach and maintain your target heart rate for what period of time? A. 10 to 20 minutes B. 20 to 30 minutes C. 40 to 50 minutes D. 30 to 40 minutes
D. 30 to 40 minutes
Following a large-scale disaster that requires a defusing event, how long should a typical defusing session last? A. 15 to 30 minutes B. 45 to 60 minutes C. Less than 2 hours D. 30 to 45 minutes
D. 30 to 45 minutes
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if you do not have access to soap and running water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hand sanitizer must contain at least how much alcohol? A. 40 percent B. 70 percent C. 50 percent D. 60 percent
D. 60 percent
You are treating a patient who has a fever and a cough. He is bringing up red-tinged frothy sputum with each coughing spell. What specific infection control PPE is MOST appropriate? A. A Tyvek suit B. A surgical mask or NRB on the rescuer C. A level A suit D. A HEPA or N95 mask on the rescuer
D. A HEPA or N95 mask on the rescuer
Which of the following is known as a state of exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue brought on by work-related problems over time and which results in the inability to perform your duties effectively as an EMT. A. Stressout B. Critical incident stress C. Serious fatigue D. Burnout
D. Burnout
Immediately after you advise your patient that he is experiencing a heart attack, he responds "Not me, there is no way that I'm having a heart attack." This best describes which stage of grief? A. Bargaining B. Depression C. Anger D. Denial
D. Denial
Which of the following core components of well-being does NOT belong with physical fitness? A. Body composition B. Cardiovascular endurance C. Muscle strength D. Emotional stability
D. Emotional stability
You are on scene with a patient who has a terminal illness. As the moment of death approaches, the patient starts to ask you more and more questions about death. What should you do? A. Give the patient reassurance, even if it is false. B. Ignore the patient, because there is really nothing that you can say. C. Terminate useless treatment as soon as possible. D. Explain what death is, what is happening, and what the patient might expect to the best of your ability.
D. Explain what death is, what is happening, and what the patient might expect to the best of your ability.
Which of the following statements about an EMS system's CQI program is FALSE? A. Quality documentation will strengthen the CQI program. B. Continuing education will better prepare the EMTs, which in turn will improve how well they perform during CQI audits. C. Periodic reviews of each EMT in the system should be performed. D. Feedback for the CQI process should only be gathered from the EMTs and the receiving facility.
D. Feedback for the CQI process should only be gathered from the EMTs and the receiving facility.
When responding to a rescue situation that involves a potential threat to patients and responders, the emergency medical technician (EMT) should don which of the following? A. Class 1 vest B. Harness C. SCBA D. Helmet
D. Helmet
Which one of the following diseases is caused by a virus? A. Strep throat B. Tuberculosis C. Sinus infection D. Hepatitis
D. Hepatitis
What is the MOST common destination facility to which an EMT will be transporting patients? A. Hospital cardiac, medical, or trauma intensive care units B. Freestanding immediate care facility C. Private physician's office D. Hospital emergency department
D. Hospital emergency department
Encouraging and supporting your coworkers and resisting the temptation to criticize others will provide what benefit to the EMT? A. It will make you less susceptible to gossip. B. It will get you voted "Employee of the Month." C. It will increase your likelihood of not losing your job. D. It will help reduce and manage job-related stress.
D. It will help reduce and manage job-related stress.
Which one of the following is a reason to establish a community paramedic program? A. Improve community relations. B. Manage acute disease conditions. C. Increase emergency department admissions. D. Manage high-volume users.
D. Manage high-volume users
Which one of the following is a service that may be provided by community paramedics? A. Transportation of critical patients B. Emergency response C. Rural MCI response D. Management of chronic conditions
D. Management of chronic conditions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a set of recommended standards for EMS systems called the Technical Assistance Program Assessment Standards. These ten standards include which one of the following? A. Personnel scheduling B. Vehicle maintenance C. Required system access through a 911 emergency phone number D. Medical direction
D. Medical direction
You have arrived on scene as a backup unit for a patient with an unknown emergency. When you arrive, another EMT tells you that the patient, an unresponsive 12-year-old boy found floating face down in a 4-foot swimming pool, has already been loaded into the transporting ambulance. Your EMT coworker asks you to drive him to the hospital using lights and sirens. Given this information, what facility would MOST likely be your destination? A. Spine injury center B. Trauma center C. Cardiac center D. Pediatric center
D. Pediatric center
Which of the following is NOT one of the ten greatest public health initiatives in the twentieth century? A. Reduction in tobacco use B. Motor-vehicle safety C. Workplace safety D. Reduction in people living below the poverty level
D. Reduction in people living below the poverty level
Evidence-based medicine tends to emphasize which component of the traditional approach to the practice of emergency medicine? A. Good judgment B. Intuition C. Quality improvement D. Science
D. Science
Which of the following was a recommendation of the Institute of Medicine's report, The Future of EMS Care: EMS at the Crossroads? A. Individual state EMS certification should be a prerequisite for national EMS credentials. B. Interstate reciprocity should come to an end. C. All EMS education programs should be accredited by their respective state. D. States should adopt a common scope of practice for prehospital personnel.
D. States should adopt a common scope of practice for prehospital personnel.
If a fellow coworker is starting to experience more stress, what should you suggest to him to help him manage this stress? A. Release some anger by yelling at patients or supervisors. B. On your day off, get to a tavern and have a few drinks. C. Take sedatives prior to coming to work. D. Try to exercise more at home and between calls at work.
D. Try to exercise more at home and between calls at work.
If the patient who has a fever and a blood-tinged productive cough states he has an infectious disease, what disease does he MOST likely have? A. Hepatitis A B. SARS C. Spinal meningitis D. Tuberculosis
D. Tuberculosis
Personal protective equipment is used as a barrier against: A. immunization. B. fertilization. C. sanitization. D. infection.
D. infection
To help reduce the emotional burden of the dying patient, you should: A. not touch the patient or allow the family to touch or hold the patient. B. use a firm tone of voice so the patient and family know you are in charge. C. give the patient assurances, even if they are false. D. listen empathetically to the patient and honor the patient's requests.
D. listen empathetically to the patient and honor the patient's requests.
When applying for a new job as an EMT with a local EMS provider, you had to take a quick test that involved watching a videotaped scenario and then completing a prehospital care report and giving an oral patient hand-off report. This interview activity was designed to assess: A. your ability to be polite and considerate in a stressful situation. B. your empathy for the patient in the mock scenario. C. your tolerance for an order from management. D. the expected ability to maintain good verbal and written communication skills.
D. the expected ability to maintain good verbal and written communication skills.