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

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