Pass the NREMT Medical Technicians EMT Questions and answers with CertsForce

This patient presents with severe head trauma, unresponsiveness, hypotension, tachycardia, and apnea (R = 0). NREMT education stresses that apnea following head injury is a critical red flag for increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and potential brain herniation.

Option B is correct because brain herniation occurs when swelling or bleeding within the skull forces brain tissue downward, compressing the brainstem. Compression of the brainstem can result in loss of respiratory drive, explaining the absence of respirations. Elderly patients are at increased risk due to cerebral atrophy and fragile bridging veins.

Option A is possible but does not directly explain apnea.

Option C is associated with sudden cardiac arrest after chest impact, not head trauma.

Option D would present with respiratory compromise but not directly from a forehead injury.

NREMT emphasizes rapid airway management, ventilation, spinal precautions, and immediate transport for suspected brain herniation.

NREMT legal education differentiates between slander and libel, both forms of defamation.

Option D (Libel) is correct because libel involves false written statements that harm a person’s reputation. In this scenario, the partner’s written claim falsely attributes improper treatment to you.

Option A (Slander) refers to spoken false statements.

Option B (Malice) describes intent, not a legal category of defamation.

Option C (Battery) is unlawful physical contact with a patient.

Understanding legal terminology helps EMTs protect themselves professionally and legally.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation (Based on NREMT standards):

This scenario strongly suggests a hazardous environment involving chemical crowd-control agents such as tear gas or pepper spray. During the scene survey, NREMT prioritizes scene safety, hazard recognition, and incident size-up before any patient contact.

Option D (Determine the control agent being used) is correct because identifying the chemical agent helps determine the level of risk, appropriate personal protective equipment, and whether EMS can safely operate in the area.

Option E (Identify the number of patients) is correct because determining the number of patients is essential for assessing the scope of the incident and requesting additional resources if needed.

Option A is incorrect because removing restraints is not part of the initial scene survey and must be coordinated with law enforcement.

Option B is incorrect because patient decontamination occurs only after scene safety is ensured.

Option C is not a priority until hazards are identified and the scene is safe.

NREMT teaches that EMTs must never compromise their own safety and must fully assess hazards before providing care.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and intervention to reduce the severity or impact of an illness or injury that has already occurred or is inevitable. Examples in EMS include:

AED deployment in public

Stroke recognition training

Early CPR

Primary prevention aims to stop the injury from occurring at all (e.g., vaccination, seatbelts). "Reactive" and "proactive" are not recognized formal categories in EMS public health strategy.

NREMT guidelines emphasize that EMTs must be able to rapidly release any restraints applied to a patient in the event of airway compromise, vomiting, cardiac arrest, or sudden deterioration.

Option B is correct because exchanging handcuffs for EMS-controlled restraints ensures patient safety while maintaining custody. The EMT having the key allows immediate access if emergency care is required.

Option A is unsafe because the EMT does not have control over the restraints, potentially delaying lifesaving interventions.

Option C is incorrect because patient safety standards must always be met.

Option D is incorrect because transport is necessary for evaluation and care.

NREMT stresses that custody never supersedes patient safety, and EMS must maintain control of patient restraints during transport.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Pulmonary edema is caused by fluid accumulation in the alveoli, impairing gas exchange. It is typically due to:

Left-sided heart failure: Blood backs up into the pulmonary circulation

Hypertensive crisis: Increases hydrostatic pressure in the lungs

Anaphylaxis causes vasodilation and bronchospasm, not fluid overload. Increased oncotic pressure would retain fluid in capillaries — the opposite of edema.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Mechanism of Injury (MOI) assessment is a cornerstone of trauma care. It helps providers determine:

Extent of injury: High-speed collisions, falls from height, or penetrating trauma suggest internal injuries even if external signs are limited.

Need for additional resources: MOI may indicate the necessity of ALS backup, air transport, or technical rescue.

MOI cannot determine a patient’s medical history or guarantee survival predictions. The destination facility depends on multiple factors including triage protocols, vital signs, and local trauma system regulations.