Paramedic Exam Prep Free practice test →

Free Paramedic Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Paramedic (Paramedic) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free Paramedic practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

During resuscitation of an adult in cardiac arrest with an advanced airway in place, the waveform capnography reading suddenly rises from 14 mmHg to 42 mmHg during a compression cycle. The MOST appropriate interpretation is that the patient:

  1. has most likely achieved return of spontaneous circulation
  2. is being hyperventilated and the rate should be reduced
  3. has a displaced endotracheal tube requiring reconfirmation
  4. needs the next epinephrine dose administered immediately
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - has most likely achieved return of spontaneous circulation

Question 2

A 58-year-old with crushing chest pain has a 12-lead ECG showing ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. After aspirin and a single dose of sublingual nitroglycerin, the patient becomes acutely hypotensive with clear lung sounds. This response is BEST explained by:

  1. an unexpected anaphylactic reaction to the nitroglycerin dose
  2. a vasovagal episode triggered by the severe chest pain
  3. rapid extension of the infarct into the anterior wall
  4. preload reduction in a right ventricular infarction
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - preload reduction in a right ventricular infarction

Question 3

A pulseless adult shows an organized, narrow-complex rhythm at 70 on the monitor with no detectable pulse despite a thorough check. The single MOST important next action is to:

  1. deliver an immediate unsynchronized defibrillation
  2. perform synchronized cardioversion at 100 joules
  3. continue compressions and treat reversible causes
  4. hold compressions and reassess the monitor rhythm
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - continue compressions and treat reversible causes

Question 4

Minutes after a bee sting, a patient has diffuse hives, wheezing, and a blood pressure of 78/40. After ensuring the airway, the FIRST medication the paramedic should administer is:

  1. intramuscular epinephrine to the lateral thigh
  2. intravenous diphenhydramine
  3. intravenous methylprednisolone
  4. nebulized albuterol by mask
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - intramuscular epinephrine to the lateral thigh

Question 5

A patient who intentionally ingested an unknown quantity of amitriptyline becomes hypotensive, and the cardiac monitor shows a progressively widening QRS complex. In addition to supportive care, the MOST appropriate intervention is to administer:

  1. calcium chloride
  2. sodium bicarbonate
  3. magnesium sulfate
  4. activated charcoal
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - sodium bicarbonate

Question 6

A newly delivered neonate remains apneic; after 30 seconds of effective positive-pressure ventilation the heart rate is 50 beats per minute. The paramedic should next:

  1. administer epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg by the intravenous route
  2. increase the ventilation rate to 100 breaths per minute
  3. continue ventilations alone and reassess in 60 seconds
  4. start chest compressions at a 3:1 ratio with ventilations
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - start chest compressions at a 3:1 ratio with ventilations

Question 7

A patient struck by a vehicle is hypotensive after a suspected spinal cord injury. The finding that BEST distinguishes neurogenic shock from hemorrhagic shock in this patient is the presence of:

  1. cool, pale, diaphoretic skin below the level of injury
  2. a relative bradycardia with warm, dry skin
  3. delayed capillary refill across all four extremities
  4. a progressively narrowing pulse pressure
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - a relative bradycardia with warm, dry skin

Question 8

Paramedics find an unconscious, unresponsive adult who is alone and unable to communicate. Treatment is legally authorized under the principle of:

  1. expressed consent
  2. involuntary consent
  3. informed consent
  4. implied consent
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - implied consent

Question 9

A patient with a head injury from a fall is being reassessed. Over the last 10 minutes the heart rate has dropped from 92 to 48, the blood pressure has risen from 132/84 to 188/82, and the breathing has become irregular. The paramedic should recognize this trend as MOST consistent with:

  1. developing hypovolemia from an occult internal bleed
  2. a normal vagal response to the pain of the injury
  3. rising intracranial pressure with impending herniation
  4. improving perfusion as the patient stabilizes
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - rising intracranial pressure with impending herniation

Question 10

A paramedic arrives to find an adult who collapsed and is now unresponsive, with agonal gasps and no obvious trauma. A bystander is standing nearby. After confirming the scene is safe, the paramedic's FIRST priority action is to:

  1. check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds
  2. obtain a focused SAMPLE history from the bystander
  3. apply the cardiac monitor to identify the underlying rhythm
  4. open the airway and deliver two slow rescue breaths
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - check the carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds

Ready for the real thing?

Practice hundreds more Paramedic questions with instant scoring, weak-area drills, and full exam simulations.

Start the free practice test See pricing