Free Paramedic Exam Questions That Helps Candidates Pass

Anaphylactic shock is distributive shock from histamine release causing vasodilation, leaky capillaries, bronchospasm, and airway edema. Treatment: IM epinephrine, fluids, oxygen, airway management. Hypovolemic = blood/fluid loss, cardiogenic = pump failure, neurogenic = loss of sympathetic tone. EMS must act rapidly to stop progression to cardiac arrest.

Apgar scoring: HR >100 = 2, respiration/cry = 2, activity = 2, appearance (pink body, blue extremities) = 1, grimace = 2. Total = 9. Rarely is 10 achieved at 1 or 5 min. Apgar guides resuscitation but does not predict long-term outcome.

Obstructive shock (tension pneumothorax, tamponade, massive PE) presents with JVD and clear lungs (tamponade/PE) or absent breath sounds (tension). Hypovolemic shock features flat neck veins and cool, clammy skin. Both present with hypotension and tachycardia. Recognition directs therapy: relieve obstruction vs volume replacement.

Torsades de pointes is often precipitated by prolonged QT (congenital or acquired via drugs/electrolytes). Magnesium sulfate stabilizes myocardial membranes and terminates TdP even when serum magnesium is normal. Amiodarone may worsen QT prolongation; adenosine treats AV-nodal SVTs; diltiazem slows AV conduction and is inappropriate. If unstable, synchronized cardioversion is indicated. Correct hypokalemia, stop QT-prolonging agents, and prepare for recurrent episodes.

Status asthmaticus requires aggressive bronchodilation: continuous albuterol, ipratropium if available, and possibly IM epinephrine for severe cases. Oxygen titrated to maintain ≥92%. Steroids are helpful but delayed in effect. Intubation is a last resort, very high risk, and should not be first-line. Paramedic objectives emphasize escalation of noninvasive support, recognition of impending respiratory failure, and preparation for advanced airway if all else fails.