Prepare for EMT medical assessment scenarios with these practice questions and answers. This guide covers patient assessment, vital signs, and emergency treatment protocols.
Q: Scenario: You are called to the home of a patient complaining of abdominal pain.
Answer: Medical Patient with Abdominal PainScenario: You are called to the home of a patient complaining of abdominal pain.The scene is safe. Additional personnel will be arriving on scene in approximately 10 minutes.Staff: 1 student, 1 proctor and 1 patient. After the assessment is complete, the proctor should assume the role of an incoming rescuer and be given a report by the student.Appearance: Patient looks shocky.Vital Signs: BP: 94/50, P: 110, R: 24Information:Patient is lying on side with knees drawn upPatient denies blood in vomit or stoolsPain started approximately 1 hour ago and has increased steadilyPain is a 7 on a ten scalePain is sharp, epigastric and non-radiatingNothing provokes or relieves painPatient is allergic to codeinePatient is not taking any medicationsLast oral intake was about 4 hours ago
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call.
Answer: Sick Child with Respiratory DifficultyScenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call. The scene is safe.• One person will serve as the patient’s family member.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Cyanosis in nail beds and around mouth, droolingVital Signs: BP: 90/50, P: 130, R: 40Information:Patient is a young childPatient is tripoding, drooling, and having difficulty breathingFamily member relates that patient has been sick with an upper respiratory track infection but has suddenly gotten worse. The patient hasn’t been able to eat or drink fluids for several hours.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to “confused person” at a local bank.
Answer: Responsive Diabetic PatientScenario: You are responding to “confused person” at a local bank.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear shocky.Vital Signs: BP: 124/70, P: 100, R: 16Information:Patient responds to verbal commandsPatient has a medic-alert bracelet identifying him as a diabeticPatient should be irritable & confusedPatient can protect his own airwayPatient should become fully alert after ingesting > 30 grams of glucose (the ingestions should be simulated)
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a poisoning. I will act as the poison control center if you choose to contact it.
Answer: Pediatric PoisoningScenario: You are responding to a poisoning. I will act as the poison control center if you choose to contact it.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor, 1 bystander, and 1 patient. Patient should be child capable of taking direction. Proctor should assume role of poison control centerVital Signs: NormalInformation:Patient ingested an unknown quantity of multivitamins approximately 30 minutes ago.Patient is alert, oriented and has not vomited.Poison control center advises team to give 1 gm/kg of activated charcoal and transport.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain.
Answer: Cardiac Chest Pain with No NitroglycerinScenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear pale and diaphoreticVital Signs: BP: 110/80, P: 72, R: 16Information:Pain started several hours agoIt’s never occurred beforePain radiates to left shoulder and neck Pain began while patient was at rest Nothing makes it better or worse Patient has no allergies or medications Pain is a 7 on a 10 scale
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain.
Answer: Cardiac Chest Pain with NitroglycerinScenario: You are responding to a patient having chest pain. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear pale and diaphoreticVital Signs: BP: 110/80, P: 72, R: 16Information:Pain started 20 minutes ago while on a walk, spouse called 911.Patient has history of angina; last episode was 3 months agoPain does not radiateNothing makes it better or worsePatient has nitroglycerin for chest pain and has taken one about 10 minutes agoPatient has no allergiesPain is a 7 on a 10 scale, worse than usualPatient has a headache from pillPatient notes tingling under tongue if additional tablets are administered.
Q: Scenario: You are responding to “difficulty breathing” call.
Answer: Adult Respiratory Distress, No MedicationsScenario: You are responding to “difficulty breathing” call. The scene is safe.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 110/80, P: 100, R: 30Information:Patient has had the “flu” for at least a week, coughed and was unable to catch his breath.Patient is sitting upright in moderate distressLung sounds are diminished on left side of chest near apexNo cyanosis is discernable
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call.
Answer: Adult Respiratory Distress, Patient has InhalerScenario: You are responding to a “difficulty breathing” call. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assess and treat an adult patient having a severe asthma attack.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Peripheral and perioral cyanosisVital Signs: BP: 100/60, P: 100, R: 30Information:Patient has history of asthma and has in-date bronchodilator inhalerSpouse called 911SOB started about 30 minutes agoPatient has taken 1 dose from his inhaler prior to your arrivalProctor may have to serve as medical control
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient suffering from a bee sting.
Answer: Anaphylaxis, with Epinephrine AutoinjectorScenario: You are responding to a patient suffering from a bee sting. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to assist the patient in the use of an autoinjector.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Vital Signs: BP: 90/60, P: 112, R: 30Information:Patient has a history of severe allergic reactionsPatient has epinephrine autoinjector but has never used one and needs assistancePatient has no other medications or allergiesLast oral intake was about 2 hours ago
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a possible drug overdose.
Answer: Overdose PatientScenario: You are responding to a possible drug overdose. The scene is safe. There are no bystanders.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to deal with an unconscious overdose patient.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear shockyVital Signs: BP: 100/60, P: 50, R: 10Information:Patient is unconscious and unresponsivePatient should be on back and snoring to start
Q: Scenario: You are responding to a patient with respiratory difficulty.
Answer: Do Not ResuscitateScenario: You are responding to a patient with respiratory difficulty. The scene is safe.Purpose: This scenario provides the student with an opportunity to practice skills which may be necessary in a do not resuscitate situation.Staff: 3 person team, 1 proctor, 1 bystander, and 1 patient.Appearance: Patient should appear ashen gray.Vital Signs: BP: 90/50, P: 140, R: 33 and noisyInformation:The family member should meet the team and advise them that there is a valid do not resuscitate order for this patient.Patient has terminal cancer