North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS) Practice Exam

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• Which body fluid poses the highest risk for transmitting blood-borne diseases?
• How should you care for a newborn with a pink body, a pulse rate of 106 per minute, and good muscle tone?
• An important indicator of labor progression is a change in what during the first stage of labor?
• Which level of EMS personnel is known to provide the most advanced care in the field?
• Which of the following is important during the transport of a child with seizures?
• What is the primary goal of the triage process in EMS?
• Which actions conform to the "Patient Bill of Rights" upheld by NCOEMS?
• To assess the motor functions in the lower extremities of a responsive patient, you would:
• A gurgling sound heard with artificial ventilation is a sign that:
• Why should you not suction a patient's airway for more than 15 seconds?
• Your patient is an 84-year-old female having difficulty breathing. Her daughter, age 45, is with her. When communicating with this patient, you should assume that she is:
• When should EMTs wear high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirators?
• Where is a detailed physical exam typically performed?
• You are using the OPQRST acronym to assess a responsive medical patient. What question would you ask to assess the P component?
• Which patient needs a detailed physical examination?
• Which of the following is NOT a sign of an allergic reaction?
• If a mother reports that her 8-year-old daughter has frequent seizures and just had one at school, what should you do?
• What is the purpose of an EMS system’s mutual aid agreements?
• In a cardiac arrest situation, what rhythm would likely still allow effective CPR despite a 'no shock advised' message?
• What is the main purpose of ongoing patient assessment in emergency medical services?
• Which heart rhythm is commonly associated with the transition to ventricular fibrillation?
• If a patient is behaving abnormally and refuses treatment, what should you do before transporting without consent?
• If a pregnant patient is 39 weeks along and has contractions 2 minutes apart, what should you prepare for?
• What is an acceptable response from a patient with altered mental status during an assessment?
• What is a typical indication for using a heavy blanket on a trauma patient?
• When must an EMS provider report a suspected case of child or elder abuse?
• During a multi-casualty incident, what is a key responsibility of an EMS provider?
• In which situation is it crucial to call for immediate assistance?
• The purpose of incident management systems is to provide a(n):
• How often should skills training be conducted according to NCOEMS standards?
• Which patient should receive a rapid trauma survey to determine hidden injuries?
• During the two-person bag-valve mask procedure, what does the second EMT do while one ventilates the patient?
• What role do continuing education and training play for EMS personnel?
• What is the most common electrical rhythm disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest?
• What is the recommended emergency care for a responsive 7-year-old child with a foreign-body airway obstruction?
• What type of bleeding is suspected if blood flows in a steady, dark-red stream from a forearm wound?
• What is a key responsibility of EMS personnel regarding public health education?
• If a patient is awake, confused, and disoriented, how would you grade her using the AVPU scale?
• Which of the following best describes the role of an EMT?
• The EMT's primary role in the management of a suspected stroke patient is to?
• What is the minimum age required to obtain EMT certification in North Carolina?
• In a multiple-casualty situation, which patient should be assigned the highest priority?
• A 45-year-old male is experiencing chest discomfort. After placing him in his position of comfort, your next action should be to:
• What should you do if a patient's airway is obstructed and ventilation attempts fail?
• What should you do for a severely hypothermic patient who is showing a diminished level of responsiveness?
• What type of medical emergencies need immediate ALS intervention?
• What type of assessments does NCOEMS conduct to ensure compliance of EMS agencies?
• What does the "scoop and run" principle imply in emergency response?
• What should be done for a patient suffering from significant chest discomfort, with a potential heart issue?
• What does North Carolina's “Good Samaritan Law” provide?
• What should be included in the focused history for patients with altered mental status?
• To whom should you apply an AED?
• What level of support is available for mental health crisis situations in the EMS context?
• What action represents abandonment of a patient?
• When a pregnant patient feels like she needs to move her bowels, what does this indicate?
• What is an important principle in the emergency treatment of local cold injuries?
• What does the Primary Service Area (PSA) refer to in EMS?
• Which patient has the highest priority in an emergency situation?
• You take a report from a first responder who describes a patient as postictal; based on this report, you would expect to find the patient:
• In the context of EMS, what does the acronym 'PSA' stand for?
• How often must EMTs in North Carolina renew their certification?
• Which symptom would suggest a serious risk of hyperthermia?
• In what situation is the use of an AED mandatory for EMTs under NCOEMS standards?
• Which object has the greatest potential to cause damage based on its characteristics?
• What type of EMS system is utilized in North Carolina to ensure efficient resource allocation?
• What is the function of the Emergency Medical Services Regional Advisory Committee (EMS RAC)?
• When should an EMT initiate CPR?
• When suctioning a patient, how far should you insert a soft suction catheter?
• When splinting an injured limb, you should assess pulse, motor function, and sensation distal to the injury:
• How often do EMTs in North Carolina need to recertify?
• What should EMS personnel prioritize during a multi-casualty incident?
• What does the term "at-risk populations" refer to in EMS?
• What does the term “out-of-hospital cardiac arrest” imply in an EMS context?
• What could cause an AED to give a 'no shock advised' message during cardiac arrest?
• What should you do if a patient has experienced a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage?
• In case of an EMS agency’s failure to comply with state regulations, what action can NCOEMS take?
• Which of the following is a sign of inadequate breathing?
• Which symptom could indicate a potential acute coronary syndrome?
• Which of the following is a sign or symptom of a predelivery emergency?
• What does the acronym EMS stand for?
• What is the function of the NC Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR)?
• What is the critical phone number to access national emergency services in the United States?
• When treating a patient stung by a bee with the stinger present, how should you remove it?
• What is the procedure for documenting controlled substances utilization in the EMS setting?
• In the context of emergency services, what does ABC stand for?
• Where is the vitreous humor located?
• How does community paramedicine function within the EMS system?
• Following an explosion, a patient is trapped in a collapsed structure and suffers crush injuries to both lower extremities. How would the injuries be classified based on the blast-injury phase?
• In North Carolina, what is the primary source of funding for EMS agencies?
• In EMS protocols, what is the significance of scene safety?
• What type of training must EMS providers receive regarding hazardous materials (HazMat)?
• When performing the modified jaw-thrust maneuver to open your patient's airway, which of the following steps is NOT correct?
• What is the main focus of the protocols set by NCOEMS?
• What is the primary purpose of the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS)?
• What occurs during capillary-cellular exchange?
• What condition is often associated with pale or cyanotic skin?
• A bulb syringe is typically used to suction infants up to the age of what month?
• During childbirth, what signifies that the second stage of labor has begun?
• What is an integral part of the initial assessment in an emergency situation?
• What legal documentation must EMS providers complete for every patient encounter?
• How do you select the correct-size oral airway for a small child?
• A patient describing facial paralysis on one side and tearing may be suffering from what condition?
• What is one of the key responsibilities of NCOEMS regarding EMS providers?
• You are transporting a patient who has been resuscitated but is still unresponsive. You should check the patient's pulse every:
• Where should you place your hands when using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver to open an unconscious patient's airway?
• Your patient, a 69-year-old male, is in cardiac arrest. His wife informs you that their physician has written a do not resuscitate order for the patient, but she does not have the written order. You should:
• During patient transport, what is a priority action in the event of a sudden change in the patient's condition?
• What is the significance of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)?
• What type of situation would an EMS provider be expected to demonstrate leadership skills?
• Can non-transporting EMS personnel be certified in North Carolina?
• Under what condition can an EMT-Basic administer epinephrine for allergic reactions?
• What should you do if approached by a journalist asking about a patient you transported?
• What should the emergency care for a rape victim focus on?
• Where is the cricoid cartilage located?
• What is the proper technique for clearing a conscious patient's airway?
• What is the priority when performing CPR on an adult?
• What is the primary role of an EMS Medical Director?
• What is the primary goal of EMS in handling medical emergencies?
• Which training programs are approved by NCOEMS in North Carolina?
• A 23-year-old pregnant female is bleeding profusely from her vagina. All of the following actions are appropriate EXCEPT:
• Which of the following is NOT a main component of the NCOEMS mission?
• What is the correct rate of artificial ventilations for an adult patient?
• In emergency care, what does the term "responsive" imply?
• A 56-year-old female patient complaining of mild chest discomfort should be assessed how?
• Which EMS personnel level has the least amount of training before entering the field?
• What is the goal of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process in EMS?
• What should you do when the head of a newborn infant has just delivered?
• How often should EMS equipment be inspected according to NCOEMS guidelines?
• What key document governs the regulations for EMS in North Carolina?
• For a non-trauma patient who is pulseless and apneic, what should be your next step after unsuccessful assisted ventilation?
• What approach is emphasized by NCOEMS to improve patient intervention?
• Who benefits from the protections established by the Good Samaritan Law?
• Which organization is responsible for the certification of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in North Carolina?
• Pink or bloody sputum is commonly seen in patients with which condition?
• Upon arrival at a store where a holdup occurred, what should you do when you see an injured manager inside?
• What is the primary action of nitroglycerin?
• A patient should receive high-flow oxygen if he or she exhibits:
• What is the first action to take if a patient is unconscious but has a pulse?
• What is the target end-tidal carbon-dioxide level during hyperventilation for a patient with suspected brainstem herniation?
• When is it necessary to reassess a patient's vital signs again immediately?
• Which of the following is NOT a common sign of imminent delivery?
• In emergency treatment, why is documentation important when encountering a patient who refuses care?
• What is the first action you should take for an unconscious patient with blood in the airway?
• What should be your next step after three "no shock indicated" messages from the AED?
• Your patient is found lying on the ground after falling off a roof. He is unconscious and apneic. Which method should you use to open the patient's airway?
• After opening the airway, the next step in patient management is to:
• Which statement about patient confidentiality is correct?
• Why should the EMT-Basic request prehospital ACLS for a cardiac arrest patient?
• What is the expected response time for an EMS unit in urban areas?
• What is the first treatment when a mother bleeds excessively from her vagina after delivery?
• In terms of EMS training, what does the acronym ACLS stand for?
• The right ventricle pumps blood into which part of the circulatory system?
• The first step in the delivery of high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreather mask is to:
• The presence of a bloody show during the first stage of labor indicates what?
• What is a crucial step in managing a patient showing signs of local cold injuries?
• During a medical emergency, when should a rescuer take control of the scene?
• The first step in artificial ventilation with a bag-valve mask unit in patients with no suspected trauma is to:
• What should you avoid doing when the semiautomatic external defibrillator (SAED) is analyzing the rhythm?
• How does NCOEMS ensure the quality of training programs for EMTs?
• What is the correct procedure for a patient who has secretions or emesis that suctioning cannot easily remove?
• How long should you check for a pulse when starting CPR?
• An automated external defibrillator (AED) will shock which of the following rhythms?
• If you enter a home and smell natural gas, what is your first action when assessing a patient with a headache?
• A 2-year-old male is in respiratory failure when he has what symptoms?
• Which patient characteristic indicates a more serious situation in an emergency response?
• What should you do immediately after delivering a shock with an AED to a patient in cardiac arrest?
• In a pre-hospital setting, what is the primary assessment tool for vital signs?
• How should an EMT assess the breathing of a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
• In pedestrian versus automobile impacts, which of the following statements is true?
• Where can one find the protocols and procedures for paramedic practice in North Carolina?
• Under what circumstances should an EMT perform an emergency move?
• What aspect of patient care is emphasized in the CQI process?
• In legal terms, what is a tort?
• Which patient can safely receive only a focused physical examination rather than a rapid trauma assessment?
• What is the result of audits and inspections conducted by NCOEMS?
• What is the purpose of the head-tilt/chin-lift technique?
• What is the role of a crew leader in the EMS context?
• Your patient is a 6-year-old female who fell off her bicycle. She has a suspected broken ankle, no respiratory compromise, and no suspected internal injuries. After providing necessary care at the scene, you are transporting the child and her father to the hospital. The father loudly insists that you use your siren and lights en route. You should:
• Which of the following is essential in the EMS response to cardiac arrest?
• Which of the following is an essential skill for EMTs according to NCOEMS standards?
• How should an EMT address a patient’s cultural and religious beliefs during care?
• Patients commonly describe heart attack pain as which of the following characteristics?
• Which of the following is a responsibility of EMS providers regarding patient privacy?
• If the umbilical cord is wrapped tightly around the neck during childbirth, you should do what immediately?
• What is a common sign of generalized cold emergency, also known as hypothermia?
• How many continuing education hours are required for EMTs in North Carolina every two years?
• What action should you take for a cardiac arrest patient found in the rain?
• Which of the following is a sign of increased pressure in the circulatory system?
• How is kinetic energy defined?
• What is the emergency care procedure for an infant when meconium is present in the amniotic fluid?
• How is the effectiveness of the "scoop and run" method best measured?
• Which situation requires that an emergency patient be moved?
• Which of the following indicates early respiratory distress in children and infants?
• What is the primary purpose of using a bag-valve mask (BVM) device?
• What does the term "golden hour" in emergency medicine refer to?
• Why is recertification important for EMTs in North Carolina?
• Which of the following is NOT a sign of possible child abuse?
• When checking the adequacy of interventions during assessment, what should be primarily evaluated?
• When should an EMT initiate CPR on a patient?
• What is the first action you should take after receiving orders from a medical direction physician?
• Why is it recommended to position a pregnant woman on her left side?
• Which situation requires you to wear gloves, gown, mask, and protective eyewear?
• What is the appropriate response if a patient exhibits pale and clammy skin along with anxiety?
• During emergency response, when is it appropriate to communicate with family members?
• Bacterial meningitis has an incubation period of:
• What important skill should EMS personnel maintain throughout their career for personal safety?
• When should you initiate CPR?
• What is the process for handling hazardous materials incidents by EMS?
• You can assess a pregnant woman's uterine contractions by placing your gloved hand on:
• What structure prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing?
• Which statement about a patient’s right to refuse care is correct?
• For a 29-year-old male who has fallen off a ladder and is bleeding from a right forearm wound, what is an appropriate initial treatment?
• What is the best method to assess circulation in an infant?
• What is one of the essential roles of an EMS dispatcher?
• How can you determine if an 11-month-old female has decreased mental status and is responsive to verbal stimuli?
• What is the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality in EMS?
• A patient with suspected internal bleeding is exhibiting signs of shock. What should be the EMT's immediate priority?
• Given the signs of restlessness and thirst, which intervention should you avoid for the patient?
• Which of the following describes a scenario where immediate assistance is necessary?
• When should EMTs prioritize transport over lengthy assessment?
• Which of the following symptoms might indicate a stroke?
• How are personnel performance evaluations conducted in EMS agencies?
• What should be monitored continuously during childbirth to observe fetal well-being?
• What is a common complication of excessive suctioning?
• What is the first step in the physical assessment of an unresponsive medical patient?
• Which statement is true regarding the use of a pocket mask for nonbreathing patients?
• The medical direction physician orders you to deliver additional shocks to a patient in cardiac arrest while en route to the hospital. What is the correct procedure to follow?
• What should you instruct a bystander performing CPR to do when you arrive?
• What must an EMS provider do before administering medication to a patient?
• What vital signs should be assessed first in an unresponsive patient?
• What is the minimum requirement for EMS training established by NCOEMS?
• What should be your first action for a 62-year-old male with a history of heart disease experiencing chest pain?
• In a possible hazardous materials incident, how should you identify hazards?
• What indicates that a patient with hyperthermia might be in serious danger?
• What is the significance of incident command in EMS operations?
• What is the primary reason for stopping CPR before applying the AED?
• What essential skill must an EMT demonstrate proficiency in?
• How is ethics best described in the context of emergency medical services?
• When providing mouth-to-mask ventilation with supplementary oxygen, what is the first step after sealing the mask to the patient's face?