Free NREMT Practice Questions (2026)

Explanation

The correct method for sizing an OPA is to measure from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe or angle of the jaw. This measurement corresponds to the distance from the lips to the base of the tongue. An improperly sized OPA can push the tongue backward and worsen the airway obstruction (if too large) or fail to displace the tongue adequately (if too small). The nose-to-earlobe measurement (A) is used for nasopharyngeal airways. There is no standard practice of trimming airways to fit (D).

Explanation

The appropriate ventilation rate for an apneic adult using a BVM is 10 to 12 breaths per minute (one breath every 5 to 6 seconds). Hyperventilation (C, D) increases intrathoracic pressure, reduces venous return to the heart, and can significantly decrease cardiac output. This is especially critical during cardiac arrest. A rate of 6 to 8 (A) is too slow to maintain adequate oxygenation and CO2 elimination.

Explanation

For an unconscious choking patient, after a failed ventilation attempt you should reposition the head (re-tilt) and try to ventilate again. If the second attempt also fails, begin 30 chest compressions. Before each ventilation attempt, look in the mouth and remove any visible object. Back blows and chest thrusts (A) are for conscious choking patients. Blind finger sweeps (C) are no longer recommended as they can push the object deeper. Inserting an NPA (D) will not resolve an obstruction caused by a foreign body in the upper airway.

Explanation

The correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on an adult is 30:2. This ratio applies to both single-rescuer and two-rescuer CPR for adults. Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute with a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). A 15:2 ratio (A) is used for two-rescuer CPR on infants and children, not adults. There is no standard 15:1 (C) or 30:1 (D) ratio in current guidelines.

Explanation

Early defibrillation is the most critical intervention for witnessed sudden cardiac arrest. The AED should be applied and used as soon as it is available. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, survival decreases by approximately 7 to 10%. Delaying AED use to continue CPR (A) is not recommended when the arrest was witnessed and the AED is readily available. IV access (C) and medication administration (D) are secondary to defibrillation and should not delay its use.

Explanation

When the AED advises "No Shock Advised," it means the rhythm is not shockable (asystole or PEA), but the patient may still be in cardiac arrest. You should immediately resume CPR starting with chest compressions and continue for 2 minutes before the AED reanalyzes. "No Shock Advised" does not mean the patient is dead (A) or that CPR should stop. Removing the pads (C) or turning off the AED (D) would prevent ongoing monitoring of the rhythm.

Explanation

This patient has a significant mechanism of injury (motorcycle crash) combined with signs and symptoms of spinal injury (neck pain, bilateral numbness and tingling in extremities). Full spinal motion restriction is indicated, including a cervical collar and securing the patient to a long backboard or other spinal motion restriction device. Allowing the patient to walk (B) or sit upright (C) could worsen a spinal cord injury. Being alert and oriented (D) does not rule out spinal injury.

Explanation

Current evidence-based guidelines recommend applying a tourniquet when direct pressure fails to control severe extremity bleeding. Tourniquets have been shown to be safe and effective in both military and civilian settings. The previous stepwise approach of elevation (A) and pressure points (C) has been replaced by early tourniquet use for life-threatening hemorrhage. You should never remove a blood-soaked dressing (D); instead, apply additional dressings on top.

Explanation

The combination of hypotension (88/62), tachycardia (124), pale and diaphoretic skin, abdominal pain, and a significant mechanism of injury (20-foot fall) is classic for hemorrhagic shock from internal bleeding, most likely from damage to abdominal organs such as the spleen or liver. Spinal shock (A) typically presents with hypotension and bradycardia, not tachycardia. Anxiety (C) would not cause this degree of hypotension with pale, diaphoretic skin. Positional hypotension (D) does not fit this clinical picture.

Explanation

For a hypoglycemic patient who is unconscious and has no gag reflex, oral glucose (A) is contraindicated due to aspiration risk. At the EMT level, glucagon administered intramuscularly is the appropriate treatment for severe hypoglycemia when the patient cannot protect their airway and oral glucose cannot be given safely. IV access and dextrose (C) may be appropriate at the paramedic level, but the question describes an EMT-level scenario. Simply transporting without treatment (D) delays a potentially lifesaving intervention.

Explanation

The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale evaluates three findings: facial droop (ask the patient to smile), arm drift (ask the patient to hold both arms out), and speech (ask the patient to repeat a simple sentence). This patient has all three positive findings: facial drooping (right side), arm weakness (left arm drift), and slurred speech (abnormal speech). Having one or more positive findings indicates a high probability of stroke. This patient has 3 out of 3 positive findings, making stroke highly likely.

Explanation

This patient is in anaphylaxis, evidenced by hives, airway swelling (lips and tongue), wheezing (bronchospasm), and hypotension (82/50). Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately via auto-injector into the lateral thigh. Diphenhydramine (B) is a secondary treatment that does not reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Ice to the sting site (C) does not address the systemic allergic reaction. Albuterol (D) may help with bronchospasm but does not address the hypotension or airway swelling.