TL;DR
Study the pathophysiology, recognition, and management of shock states. Understanding perfusion and hemodynamic compromise is critical for emergency care.
Free Shock Recognition & Management Practice Questions
NREMT EMT Certification · Cardiology & Resuscitation
This module covers Shock Recognition & Management as part of the Cardiology & Resuscitation section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | NREMT EMT Certification |
| Pass Rate | 67% |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Module | Shock Recognition & Management |
Why Shock Recognition & Management matters
Shock Recognition & Management is heavily tested because failure to recognize and treat shock rapidly leads to organ failure and death.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. A patient in septic shock has warm, flushed skin and bounding pulses early in the presentation. As the condition progresses, what change should the EMT anticipate?
- Transition to cold, pale, mottled skin with weak, thready pulses as cardiovascular compensation fails
- The patient will continue to have warm skin throughout the progression
- The patient will develop fever only, with no hemodynamic changes
- Immediate cardiac arrest without warning signs
2. You are transporting a trauma patient with a suspected pelvic fracture. En route, his mental status deteriorates, HR increases to 140, and BP drops to 68/40. He has no external bleeding. What is the MOST important EMT action?
- Apply a pelvic binder or sheet to stabilize the pelvis, keep the patient warm, and notify the receiving hospital for immediate surgical readiness
- Elevate the legs to improve blood pressure
- Apply MAST/PASG trousers
- Pull over and wait for ALS intercept for IV fluid resuscitation
3. You respond to a patient who was stung by a bee 10 minutes ago. She has generalized urticaria, stridor, and a blood pressure of 70/40. She has a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. You assist with the injection. After 5 minutes, her symptoms return and worsen. What should you do?
- Administer a second dose of epinephrine from the patient's second auto-injector per protocol and continue rapid transport
- Withhold additional epinephrine because only one dose can be given
- Begin CPR since the epinephrine did not work
- Remove the stinger and apply ice to treat the allergic reaction topically
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- Yes, this is likely compensated shock; tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction are present despite a maintained blood pressure
- No, the blood pressure is normal so the child is not in shock
- No, a femur fracture in a child cannot cause significant blood loss
- Yes, but only because the blood pressure is too low for her age
5. A 22-year-old male has been stabbed in the left upper chest. He has distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds, and is hypotensive. Which findings during primary assessment are consistent with cardiac tamponade? (Select all that apply)
- Distended jugular veins
- Muffled or distant heart sounds
- Narrowing pulse pressure (systolic and diastolic values converging)
- Bilateral absent breath sounds
- Hypotension unresponsive to fluid bolus
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