EMT Exam Dumps - Emergency Medical Technicians Exam

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Contraindications to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) include:

Hypotension: CPAP can reduce preload and worsen shock (BP < 90 systolic is a contraindication)

Respiratory rate too low: A rate of 10 is at the low threshold; CPAP requires spontaneous adequate effort

Active vomiting or nausea: CPAP increases aspiration risk

Crackles and hypoxia are indications, not contraindications, for CPAP. Pulse rate does not influence CPAP use directly.

NREMT guidelines specify that adult ventilations with a BVM should be delivered over approximately 1 second, just enough to see visible chest rise. Forceful, rapid ventilations increase the risk of gastric inflation, aspiration, barotrauma, and hypotension.

Option B is correct because slowing the rate and reducing force improves ventilation effectiveness and patient safety.

Option A may be important, but the primary error described is ventilation speed.

Option C is inappropriate for an apneic patient.

Option D is only indicated if the patient is pulseless.

NREMT emphasizes controlled, gentle ventilations to minimize complications.

This patient’s presentation is highly suspicious for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). NREMT education emphasizes that epigastric pain, especially in elderly patients, may represent myocardial ischemia. The lack of relief after three doses of nitroglycerin further increases concern for an evolving myocardial infarction.

Option A (Give aspirin) is correct because aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and is a cornerstone of early ACS management. NREMT guidelines recommend administering aspirin as soon as possible unless contraindications exist.

Option B (Apply oxygen) is correct because the patient’s oxygen saturation is 92%, which is below normal. NREMT recommends supplemental oxygen for patients with suspected cardiac ischemia who are hypoxic or in respiratory distress.

Option C may provide comfort but does not address the underlying ischemia.

Option D is incorrect because the patient has already taken the maximum recommended prehospital doses of nitroglycerin.

Option E is outside the EMT scope of practice in many systems and is not a priority EMT intervention.

NREMT emphasizes early aspirin administration, oxygenation, continuous monitoring, and rapid transport for suspected ACS.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

An epidural hematoma classically presents with a “lucid interval” — a brief period of regained consciousness following head trauma, followed by rapid deterioration. This is due to arterial bleeding, often from the middle meningeal artery, leading to increasing intracranial pressure.

Signs include:

High blood pressure

Decreasing respiratory rate

Altered LOC or unresponsiveness

Subdural hemorrhages are slower venous bleeds, common in elderly patients. Subarachnoid hemorrhage often presents with "worst headache of life." Intracerebral bleeds are less commonly linked to lucid intervals.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Compared to adults, pediatric patients have:

A proportionately larger tongue, which increases the risk of airway obstruction

A larger occiput, which causes natural neck flexion when lying supine, potentially occluding the airway

This anatomical difference is why EMS providers often use a shoulder roll instead of a head tilt to maintain a neutral airway in infants and toddlers.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Defusing is an informal, short-term intervention after a critical incident. It should:

Occur within hours of the event (ideally the same shift)

Encourage voluntary open discussion in a confidential setting

It is not a full debrief or counseling session and doesn’t require mental health professionals present. Forcing participation or waiting too long (e.g., 72+ hours) can reduce its effectiveness.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

The START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) system classifies patients based on ability to walk, respirations, perfusion, and mental status. A patient with an open fracture who can breathe adequately, has a pulse, and follows commands is categorized as “Delayed”.

Immediate (Red) is reserved for those who cannot walk and have life-threatening conditions, such as compromised airway or severe bleeding.

This pediatric presentation—fever, sore throat, and drooling—is highly concerning for acute epiglottitis, a life-threatening airway emergency emphasized in NREMT airway education. Epiglottitis causes rapid swelling of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues, which can lead to sudden and complete airway obstruction, especially in young children.

Option D is correct because the EMT should minimize agitation and transport the child in a position of comfort, typically sitting upright. NREMT guidelines stress that children with suspected epiglottitis should be kept calm, allowed to assume their preferred position, and transported rapidly without unnecessary interventions that could provoke airway spasm.

Option A is incorrect because finger sweeps are contraindicated unless a solid foreign body is clearly visible. Performing a finger sweep may worsen obstruction or trigger complete airway closure.

Option B is incorrect because positive-pressure ventilation with a BVM can increase agitation and is not indicated unless the patient is in respiratory failure. Oxygen may be offered gently, but forcing a BVM is dangerous.

Option C is incorrect because visual inspection of the airway using a tongue depressor can precipitate sudden airway obstruction and is specifically contraindicated by NREMT teaching.

The priority per NREMT is airway preservation through calm handling, rapid transport, and avoidance of invasive airway maneuvers.