Certification Exam Practice Questions

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary assessment step in patient

evaluation?

• Obtaining patient history
• Assessing airway, breathing, and circulation
• Performing a head-to-toe exam
• Administering medications

Answer: B

Rationale: The primary assessment focuses on identifying and managing

life-threatening conditions immediately, starting with airway, breathing, and circulation. 1 / 4

• The EMT recognizes that which of the following is a sign of inadequate

breathing?

• Normal respiratory rate
• Use of accessory muscles and nasal flaring
• Pink, warm, dry skin
• Clear lung sounds

Answer: B

Rationale: Signs of inadequate breathing include increased work of

breathing, use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring, and abnormal lung sounds.

3. A patient has a pulse rate of 120 beats per minute. This is considered:

• Normal for an adult
• Bradycardia
• Tachycardia
• Arrhythmia

Answer: C

Rationale: Tachycardia is defined as a pulse rate above 100 beats per

minute in adults.

• Which of the following is the best method to control severe external

bleeding?

• Cold application
• Elevation alone 2 / 4

• Direct pressure with a sterile dressing
• Tourniquet as the first option

Answer: C

Rationale: Direct pressure is the most effective and first-line treatment for

controlling external bleeding. Tourniquets are used if direct pressure fails.

• During a primary assessment, the EMT notes the patient is

unresponsive and not breathing. The EMT should:

• Check blood pressure
• Begin CPR
• Obtain patient history
• Apply oxygen via nasal cannula

Answer: B

Rationale: Unresponsive patients who are not breathing require immediate

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• Which of the following is an example of personal protective

equipment (PPE)?

• Stethoscope
• Oxygen tank
• Gloves and mask
• Splint 3 / 4

Answer: C

Rationale: PPE includes gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns to

protect EMTs from exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens.

• The EMT is assessing a patient with a suspected spinal injury. The

patient is breathing but unresponsive. What is the safest airway maneuver?

• Head tilt-chin lift
• Jaw-thrust maneuver
• Nasopharyngeal airway insertion without spinal precautions
• Oropharyngeal airway without suction

Answer: B

Rationale: The jaw-thrust maneuver minimizes spinal movement in

patients with suspected spinal injuries.

8. A patient with hypoglycemia is most likely to present with:

• Flushed, dry skin
• Diaphoresis and altered mental status
• Bradycardia and hypotension
• Seizures only

Answer: B

Rationale: Hypoglycemia often causes sweating (diaphoresis), shakiness,

altered mental status, and sometimes seizures.

• / 4