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AEMT Medical Exams Practice Guide 2025-2026 Test 1 - Aconscious but confused patient presents with left-side hemiparesis; facial droop, dysarthria; and a dilated, nonreactive right pupil. Which of the following conditions do you suspect? A) left-sided ischemic stroke B) Left-sided hemorrhagic stroke C) Right-sided ischemic stroke D} Right-sided hemorrhagic stroke Answer: € 2 - When forming the general impression of'a medical patient, which of the following would MOST likely indicate an altered mental status? A) The patient’ sspeech pattern tered B) The patient rudely tells you to leave C} You note the patient is quietly crying D) The patient is hypervigilant of your presence Answer: A 3 - Aa0-year-old man was found unresponsive in his garden. Your assessment reveals miosis. hypersalivation, and fine muscle tremors to the face. Which of the following should you be MOST suspicious for? A) seizure B) Pesticide exposure C) An opiate overdose D) A hemorrhagic stroke Answer: B a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a 4 A SS oo ll ac Pesticides contain organophosphates and carbamates and can significantly increase parasympathetic tone, resulting in severe bradycardia and hypotension. The mnemonics SLUDGEM and DUMBELS can be used to help remember the clinical manifestations of organophosphate/carbamate poisoning. S_LUDGEM stands for salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastrointestinal distress, emesis, and miosis (pupillary constriction). DUMBELS stands for defecation, urination. miosis, bradycardia/bronchorrhea. emesis. lacrimation, and salivation. Other findings may include fine muscle tremors (fasciculations) and coma. 3 her husband, is “not acting ing her lips. Which of the 4 -Youare called to a residence for a 39-year-old woman, who, according right.” She is confused, is experiencing hallucinations, and is repetiti following should you suspect? A) Focal motor seizure BR) Simple partial seizure C} Complex partial seizure D) Generalized motor seizure Answer C Seizures are cla: veing generalized or partial. Your patient's presentation is consistent with a complex partial seizure. Partial seizures affect a limited part of the brain and are further divided into simple partial and complex partial. Simple partial seizures involve movement (frontal lobe) or sensations (parietal lobe) to one part of the body. A focal motor seizure is a simple partial seizure with localized motor activity. There may be spasm or clonus Gerking) of one muscle or muscle group, which may remain localized or may spread to adjacent muscles (Jacksonian march). Complex partial seizures involve changes in level of consciousness. The patient can become confused, lose alertness, experience hallucinations, or may be unable to speak. Automat ach as lip smacking, chewing, swallowing, may occur with complex partial seizures. Generalized sei ie entire brain. Tonicéclonic seizures Gull body jerking movements), absence seiz taring), and pseudoseizures (tonic/clonic, but caused by a psychiatric mechanism) are examples of generalized seizures. eezmg or - Which of the following hematologic abnormalities would MOST likely be present in a patient ¥ atraumatic gastrointestinal bleeding and signs of shack? A) Decreased hematocrit B) Increased hematocrit C) Decreased plasma level D} Increasedhemoglobin level Answer: A The hematocrit, which is the ratio of red blood cells to plasma. decreases in cases af severe internal or external bleeding because there is a greater ratio of plasma to red blood cells s where plasma is lost, such as with burns, the hematocrit value increases because there is a greater ratio of red blood cells to plasma. The hemoglobin level falls in patients with intemal or extemal bleeding, resulting in decreased rgen- carrying capacity of the blood. om ac A SS SS SS 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al 8 - You are called to the local high school for a 16-year-old girl who has ingested an unknown quantity: of pills. When you arrive, you find that she is conscious and alert. but crying. Which of the following questions is the MOST important to ask her initially? A) How much do you weigh? B) What kind of pills did you take? (C) How long ago did vou take the pills? D} Do you have any psychiatric problems? OB Ang 9 - The life-threatening effects of anaphylactic shock include: A) vasodilation and damage to the vasculature. B) vasoconstriction and decreased peripheral res’ C} bronchodilation and increased pulmonary perfusion. D} bronchoconstriction and decreased systemic resi stance. ance. Answer: D 10 - Which of the following hormones stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium? A} Somatostatin B) Anridiuretic hormone C) Aldosterone DB) Adrenocorticotropic hormone Answer: c A SS SS SS ac excrete potassium by altering the osmotic gradient in the blood. When sodium is reabsorbed into the blood, water follows; this action increases both blood volume and pressure. Somotostatin is a hormone secreted by the delta cells of the pancreas; it inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is released by the pituitary gland. regulates water balance in the body. Tfa person is dehydrated, ADH secretion increases, which stimulates the renal tubules to reabsorb sodium and water and inhibits diuresis. Ifa person is overhydrated. ADH secretion decreases, thereby facilitating diuresis. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is secreted by the pituitary gland; it stimulates the adrenal cortex to manufacture and secrete cortisol. 11 - Which of the following patients is at highest risk for suicide? A} woman who has not slept for 72 hours B) Aman who owns multiple guns and knives C}) Awoman whose aunt committed suicide D}_ Aman whose depression suddenly resolves Answer: D People who have recently experienced a major negative life change, such as financial hardship, loss of a loved one or a job, and those who are having marital problems, are at an increased risk for suicide. Such events are often accompanied by severe depression, the single most significant risk factor for suicide. By nature, depression does not “suddenly resolve.” although it may seem to in patients who may actually feel relieved that they have developed a plan to end their own life. 12 - A 43-year-old woman was stung by a scorpion. Within 10 minutes, she developed a diffuse rash and facial swelling. She is now semiconscious, has labored breathing. and has a blood pressure of 80/56 mm Hg. After ensuring a patent airway and adequate ventilation and oxygenation, the AEMT should administer: A) 2250 w1. fluid bolus. B) an inhaled bronchodilator. C} epinephrine 1:1,000 intramuscularly. D} epinephrine 1:10,000 subcutaneously. Answer: C The patient is showing clear signs of anaphylactic shock. After ensuring a patent airway and adequate ventilation and oxygenation, the AEMT should administer epinephrine. Epinephrine constricts the vasculature, which will improve her blood pressure, and dilates the bronchioles, which will improve her breathing. Via the auto-injector, the dose is 0.3 mg ofa 1:1,000 solution intramuscularly. Ifyou carry epinephrine on your ambulance. the dose, concentration, and route are the same. Epinephrine via the subcutaneous route would be rather ineffective for patients in shock because peripheral perfusion is poor. Furthermore, epinephrine 1:10,000 is administered intravenously, not subcutaneously. Tf the patient remains hypotensive despite epinephrine, TV fluid boluses (20 ml./kg) should be given. Inhaled bronchodilators falbuterol [Proventil, ac A SS SS SS 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al 16 -woman lying on the ground experiencing a generalized motor seizure. Your MOST: immediate action should be to: A) prevent her head from striking the ground. B) inserta bite block in between her molars. C} administer oxygen or assist her vertilations. D} check her blood sugar to rule out hypoglycemia. Answer: A 17 -Prehospital care fora patient with a core body temperature of 88° F who is breathing and has a slow pulse includes A) p e rewarming. B) active internal rewannin: C) sedation to suppress shivering. D} applying the AED pads. Answ A SS SS SS ac 18 - A 40-year-old woman with a history of migraine headaches presents with a severe headache that has persisted for the last 12 hours. You should recall that this type of headache is the result of! A) vi B) muscle spasm. >} intracranial bleeding. D} hypertensive crisis. sculitis. Answer: A 19 - A 38-year-old female overdased on an unknown type of drug. Her skin is hot and flushed, her breathing is rapid and deep. and she has an acetone odor on her breath. Her BP is 98/64 mm Hg and her heart rate is 120 beats/min. ich of the following drugs would MOST likely explain her clinical presentation? A) Herom B) Aspirin C} Alcohol vocaine Answer: B a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a 4 A SS oo ll ac 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al 23 - Which of the following findings is more indicative of encephalitis than meningiti A) Vomiting B) Headache C} Pupil changes D} Nuchal rigidit Answer: c 24 - Which of the following clinical signs indicates central nervous system depression secondary to an opiate {narcotic) overdose? A) Ptosis B) Miosis C} Diplopia fydriasis Answer: B A SS SS SS ac 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al hich of the following findings are you LEAST likely to observe in a patient with yperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma? A) An altered mental status B) A history of a recent infection C) Poor skin turgor and a furrowed tongue pid breathing and a fruity breath oder Answer: D 26 - hich of the following clinical presentations is MOST consistent with anaptrylactic shock? A) Fine red rash, intense itching, BP of 112/80 mm Hg B) Dittuse urticaria, inspiratory stridor, BP of 88/68 mm Hg C} Localized redness and tenderness, BP of 116/06 mm Hg Anxiety, BP of 140/90 mm Hg. heart rate of 104 beats/min Answer: B 27 - A39-year-old man reports frequently recurring headaches, nausea. and lack of coordination, which have progressively worsened over the past 2 months. He denies any past medical history. You should be MOST suspicious for afan: A) space-occupying intracranial lesion. B) ruptured cerebral arterial aneurysin. C) acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. D} chronic epidural hematoma. A SS SS SS ac a a a a 11 Answer: B 31 - You are assessing a young male who passed out. He is now conscious and alert, but complains of generalized weakness. His skin is pale and cool and his heart rate is slow. You should suspect: A) atonic-clonic seizure. B) asyncopal episode. C) acute ischemic stroke. D} hyperglycemic crisis Answ cB 82 - Which of the following BEST describes the sequence of events that accur when a person drowns? A) Dysrhythmias., laryngospasm, hypoxia, cardiac arrest B) Laryngospasm. hypoxia, dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest. C} Hypoxia. laryngospasm., dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest. D} Laryngospasm, dysrhythmias. hypoxia. cardiac arrest, A SS SS SS ac 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al Answer B 33 - You should expect a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis to present with: A) hypoglycemia and polyuri B) hypoglycemia and dehy C} hyperglycemia and oliguria. D} hyperglycemia and dehydration Answ cD Jration 34 - Naloxone is useful in reversing the effects of which of the following medications? A) Doxepin B) Fentanyl C} Diazepam D) Amitriptyline Answer: B A SS SS SS ac 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al Answer: D 38 - What is the major physiologic difference between cyanide and carbon monoxide? A) Cyanide attaches to the hemoglobin molecule B) Cyanide destroys the cells of the immune system C} Carbon monoxide destroys the red blood cells Dm ¢ ‘arbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin molecule Answer. D 39 - The term “thermolysis” refers to the body's ability to: A) use heat. B) remove heat. C} produce heat. D} adapt to hear. Answer: B 40 - Which of the following is characteristic of hyperglycemic ketoacidosis’ A) Bradypnea B) Hyperpnea C} Diaphoresis By Acute onset Answ cB A SS SS SS ac 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al 41 - A 60-year-old man has a small eechymotic blister on his left thigh. He cannot recall being bitten or stung by anything. He is conscious and alert and his vital signs are stable. This patient's signs and symptoms are MOST likely the result of a bite from a: A) coral snake. B) black widow spider. C} brown recluse spider. D} rattlesnake or other pit viper. 42 -The MOST appropriate field management ofan unresponsive patient with diabetes in whorn the blood glucose level cannot be obtained includes: A) fluid rehydration. B) one tube of oral glucose. C} 10 units of insulin intravenous D} 25 g of glucose intravenously. A SS SS SS ac 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al Answer: € 46 -Tnitial management of a patient experiencing a heat-related emergency includ A) starting an intravenous line. B) administering high-flow oxygen. C) initiating rapid cooling measures. D} removal to a cooler environment. Answer: D AF - Functions ofthe hypothalamus include: A) controlling a person’ s appetite. B) controllingane’ s level of awareness. >) influencing a person’ s respirations maintaining equilibrium and balance. Answer: A A SS SS SS ac 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I al 48 - A finding that is common in BOTH fresh and salt water drownings 1s: A) pulmonary edema. B) loss of surfactant. C) inadequate oxygenation. severe metabolic alkalosis. Answer: c 49 - A patient who overdosed on heroin would be expected to present with A) hyperpnea. B) dilated pupils. C) tachycardia. D} hypotension. oD Ang a0) - When assessing a patient with abdominal pain, which of the following findings is MOST indicative of peritoneal irritation? A) Pain relief with frequent movement, B) Referred pain to the shoulder or neck area C} Increased pain when the patient is placed on the side Jecreased pain when the knees are drawn to the chest Answ cD A SS SS SS ac 
