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Paper with word cardiogenic shock and glasses.

<h2>What is Shock?&nbsp;</h2><p>Understanding the different types of shock is one of the most important parts of preparing for the NREMT exam. Nearly every trauma or medical emergency that leads to low blood pressure or poor perfusion falls into one of four main categories: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, or distributive shock. By recognizing how each type develops and what makes them unique, NREMT students can identify the root cause of a patient’s poor perfusion more confidently in both testing and real-world scenarios.</p><p>Shock is defined as inadequate perfusion, meaning the body’s cells are not receiving the oxygen, water, and glucose they need to create ATP, or energy. When any of these ingredients are missing, the cells cannot function properly, causing shock. In most cases, the missing ingredient causing the shock is oxygen, except in certain emergencies such as hypovolemic or hypoglycemic conditions, low fluid or low blood glucose can also be the problem. To make sense of why a disease falls into one shock category or another, we will begin with the most straightforward forms and work toward the more complex ones.</p><figure id="figure-csqjiv3gg6mhgtldzm" class=""><img id="csqjiv3gg6mhgtldzm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22BIgYHgZgdEgnkUiz1cLJ4CN9toeV3xe2u4a06n6HQii1BjeCzet8MeLSQ9q3Fl.jpeg" alt="medical emergency" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22BIgYHgZgdEgnkUiz1cLJ4CN9toeV3xe2u4a06n6HQii1BjeCzet8MeLSQ9q3Fl.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Hypovolemic Shock</h3><p>The first major type of shock is hypovolemic shock, which literally means “low fluid volume.” In this type of shock, there is not enough circulating fluid in the patient’s body to maintain perfusion. Hypovolemic shock can be divided into two subtypes: hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic. Hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock is caused by blood loss, either internally from gastrointestinal bleeding or organ lacerations, or externally from trauma. Non-hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock occurs when the body loses fluid in other non-bleeding ways, such as through vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, urination, or simple lack of fluid intake. Regardless of the cause, the result is the same—low circulating fluid volume that limits oxygen delivery to tissues.</p><figure id="figure-x27vtp6338mhgtlhik"><img id="x27vtp6338mhgtlhik" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/27FOwm0J2deFJ0wVr5lW9v9zZLnm5PCXZfR2AauEsqnt90ZRGbKvyfZx4QIkrxWt.jpeg" alt="heart health" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/27FOwm0J2deFJ0wVr5lW9v9zZLnm5PCXZfR2AauEsqnt90ZRGbKvyfZx4QIkrxWt.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Cardiogenic Shock</h3><p>The next major category is cardiogenic shock, which occurs specifically when there is a problem with the cardiac muscle, the heart’s electrical system, or both. A classic example is a myocardial infarction, where a clot blocks oxygenated blood from reaching part of the heart muscle. That cardiac tissue begins to die, and the heart can no longer pump effectively, therefore causing shock. Congestive heart failure is another example; after years of high blood pressure or previous heart attacks, the heart muscle weakens, causing fluid to back up into the lungs (pulmonary edema) and decreasing cardiac output. Electrical problems can also lead to cardiogenic shock. If the heart beats too slow, blood pressure drops; if it beats too fast, the ventricles do not have time to fill between contractions, and blood pressure also drops. However, if the abnormal fast or slow rate is caused by something outside the heart, such as a compensatory response to another type of shock, it would not be classified as cardiogenic. It is important to remember that shock is only cardiogenic if it is being caused specifically by an issue with the heart's muscle or electrical activity.</p><h3>Obstructive Shock</h3><p>Obstructive shock develops when something physically blocks normal blood circulation. For example, cardiac tamponade. Most students would think this to be a form of cardiogenic shock since it says "cardiac" in the name and affects the heart muscle, but think carefully. Cardiac tamponade is when the pericardial sac becomes inflamed from infection or trauma and compresses the heart muscle, restricting its ability to fully expand and fill. Although the protective sack is affecting the heart muscle, the problem is not within the heart muscle itself but rather something outside that heart muscle obstructing it from functioning properly. Another example is tension pneumothorax or hemothorax, in which pressure builds up inside the chest cavity, compressing the lungs at first and then eventually the heart. Once again, the primary cause of the shock is not an issue with the heart muscle itself, but rather something outside that muscle obstructing it from functioning properly. A third cause is a pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot lodges in the pulmonary arteries and obstructs circulation through the lungs. A clot in the coronary arteries causes cardiogenic shock because it damages the heart muscle directly, while a clot in the pulmonary arteries causes obstructive shock because it blocks circulation causing shock rather than it being an issue with the heart's muscle.<br></p><figure id="figure-gv0vi3y2jmhgtln5a"><img id="gv0vi3y2jmhgtln5a" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1155131819/photo/puzzle-game-and-logic-games-concept-with-hands-playing-with-a-chinese-finger-trap-a-toy-that.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_MFM7mCXajAn_tqTG-Qono2M8nFfHc0b4dNqOE6Gf2U=" alt="Puzzle game and logic games concept with hands playing with a chinese finger trap, a toy that the more you pull the tighter it gets stuck and you need to push to escape isolated on blue background" title="Puzzle game and logic games concept with hands playing with a chinese finger trap, a toy that the more you pull the tighter it gets stuck and you need to push to escape isolated on blue background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1155131819/photo/puzzle-game-and-logic-games-concept-with-hands-playing-with-a-chinese-finger-trap-a-toy-that.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=_MFM7mCXajAn_tqTG-Qono2M8nFfHc0b4dNqOE6Gf2U=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Distributive Shock</h3><p>The fourth major type is distributive shock, which is different from hypovolemic shock in that the body still contains normal fluid volume, but that fluid is no longer contained inside the blood vessels where it belongs. Distributive shock happens because of extreme vasodilation and increased permeability of the blood vessel walls, allowing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues. Think about your blood vessels as being like a Chinese finger trap (pictured above), just on a microscopic scale. When it is pulled tight, the interwoven fibers become very tightly intertwined, and fluid flowing inside it would remained contained. When it widens though, the interwoven fibers separate and allow fluid to escape. That is what happens when blood vessels dilate excessively. </p><p>During anaphylactic shock, the immune system reacts to an allergen by releasing an overwhelming amount of histamine. Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and become leaky, which leads to the fluid leaving the vessels and sitting in the tissue surrounding them, This is what causes the severe drop in blood pressure and swelling, including airway swelling. That is why your treatment for this is epinephrine, which acts as a vasoconstrictor to reverse the dilation and restore perfusion. In septic shock, a bacterial infection in the bloodstream damages the blood vessel walls and causes a similar dilation and leakage effect. These patients typically present with fever, tachycardia, and hypotension—the fever comes from the infection, the hypotension from the dilation, and the tachycardia as the body’s attempt to compensate. Another form, neurogenic shock, occurs when the nervous system is damaged and can no longer send the signals that control blood vessel tone, heart rate, or body temperature. When this happens, the blood vessels dilate and leak fluid into the tissues. One of the best ways to spot neurogenic shock is called "the absence of tachycardia". In other words, a patient who is in shock but does not have an increase in heart rate. Because the nervous system also controls temperature, these patients are at high risk for hypothermia as well.</p><p>A helpful way to recognize distributive shock is by observing the patient’s skin. Most shock patients will have pale, cool, clammy skin because their bodies are constricting blood vessels by the skin (peripheral perfusion) and shunting blood toward vital organs. However, in distributive shock, where vasodilation occurs, the skin is often warm, red, and dry instead.</p><h3>Others</h3><p>Certain conditions can cause mixed types of shock. For example, burn patients can experience both hypovolemic and distributive shock. In third-degree burns, where all layers of the skin are destroyed, the patient loses large amounts of plasma and fluid volume, leading to hypovolemic shock. In second-degree burns, severe swelling and dilation of the vessels allow fluid to leak into the tissues, which is more consistent with distributive shock.</p><p>Finally, there is psychogenic shock, which does not fit into any of the main categories. This occurs when a major nervous-system stressor causes the patient to suddenly feel lightheaded or faint due to a rapid, temporary dilation of the blood vessels and decreased blood flow to the brain. Psychogenic shock also occurs when the patient feels as if they are frozen or paralyzed and cannot react even if they are aware of what is occurring around or to them. It often happens when someone is startled, frightened, or triggered by the sight of blood, broken bones, or needles. The resulting drop in blood pressure and brief loss of consciousness are short-lived and self-correcting, so medical treatment is usually not required and therefore psychogenic shock is its own category rather than being considered distributive shock.</p><p><br></p><p>Understanding these categories and their management is crucial for understanding NREMT questions as well as being a competent EMS provider. Remembering the four major categories of shock—hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive—is key. When faced with a patient in shock, ask yourself: Is the problem caused by low fluid volume, pump failure, an obstruction, or vasodilation? That simple question can guide your assessment, help determine the appropriate treatment, and often lead you to the correct answer on the National Registry exam. If you struggle understanding this material or any of your other NREMT topics, such as <a href="https://nremttutoring.com/blog/how-to-break-down-nremt-questions--a-step-by-step-guide" data-mce-href="https://nremttutoring.com/blog/how-to-break-down-nremt-questions--a-step-by-step-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to break down NREMT-style questions</a>, then I would love to <a href="https://nremttutoring.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://nremttutoring.com/">tutor</a> you one-on-one and help you achieve your national certification!&nbsp;</p>

NREMT Shock Review - The Four Major Types of Shock

Online Question and Customer Support Inquiry Concept. Woman using laptop with question mark icons, symbolizing online help, customer support, technical inquiries, digital problem-solving assistance,

<h2>Understanding the NREMT Exam Structure</h2><p>The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam is a crucial step for aspiring EMTs and paramedics. Understanding the structure of the exam as well as the questions themselves is essential for effective preparation. The exam consists of a computer adaptive test (CAT), meaning questions adapt to your skill level as you progress. This format can be challenging but also ensures that the test is tailored to your abilities.</p><p>The NREMT exam is not only different from most exams in its scoring format but also its question and answer option structure. If you have taken the NREMT before, I am sure you recognized that the questions are much more complex than your school exams and require both a more thorough understanding of the material as well as an enhanced ability to choose between answer options that are very similar to each other. Having a solid strategy for navigating both the complexity of the NREMT questions as well as being able to narrow down to the MOST correct answer is paramount for passing your national exam. Below we will go through a step-by-step strategy on how to break down these challenging questions.</p><h2>Read the Last Sentence of the Question First</h2><p>Reading the last sentence of NREMT questions first, often referred to as the "stem" or the portion containing the actual question, can be highly beneficial for several reasons...</p><p>Focus on the Core Question: NREMT questions often include detailed scenarios filled with extra, sometimes unnecessary information. By identifying the actual question first, test takers can focus on what is being asked, which helps them sift through the scenario more effectively for relevant details.</p><p><br>Efficient Time Management: Time is limited during the NREMT exam. Reading the question first allows candidates to approach the scenario with a clear purpose, reducing the time spent re-reading the passage to understand what information is important.</p><p><br>Improved Critical Thinking: Knowing what the question targets helps in applying critical thinking skills more effectively. It allows the test taker to connect specific details in the scenario to the medical principles required to answer correctly.</p><p><br>Reduces Cognitive Load: The NREMT exam is designed to test both knowledge and decision-making. Reading the question first helps minimize cognitive overload by providing a clear framework for processing the scenario, making it easier to filter out irrelevant details.</p><p><br>Avoids Misinterpretation: Sometimes, candidates make assumptions about what a question is asking based on the scenario alone. Reading the actual question first prevents this by setting a clear, specific focus, reducing the risk of misreading or misunderstanding the scenario.</p><p>In summary, this technique enhances accuracy, efficiency, and confidence during the exam, enabling candidates to perform at their best under time constraints.</p><figure id="figure-cd4zobhfsmgwt49le"><img id="cd4zobhfsmgwt49le" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1502704339/photo/adult-man-using-a-laptop-tick-correct-sign-mark-for-document-approval-and-checklist-planning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=h2WQowAFP__tyx4vhHB1eGbClCL00fv4MIiKWinW6h4=" alt="Adult man using a laptop tick correct sign mark for document approval and checklist planning concept. Take an assessment, evaluation, test, education, questionnaire, online survey online exam." title="Adult man using a laptop tick correct sign mark for document approval and checklist planning concept. Take an assessment, evaluation, test, education, questionnaire, online survey online exam." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1502704339/photo/adult-man-using-a-laptop-tick-correct-sign-mark-for-document-approval-and-checklist-planning.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=h2WQowAFP__tyx4vhHB1eGbClCL00fv4MIiKWinW6h4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Follow Your NREMT Psychomotor Sheet</h2><p>Remembering the specific order of steps you should take to run a call or treat a patient can be difficult, especially when you are used to having multiple people doing multiple assessments and interventions at the same time in real life. For your scenario-based questions, or any answer options involving choosing to do one treatment before another, reference your skills check-off sheet. That order of events is the correct order in which to assess and treat a patient for every single NREMT question.&nbsp;</p><p>Going through those steps in order can many times help you find part of your most correct answer option. For example, most medical scenarios will give you a patient's signs and symptoms and ask for your diagnosis and interventions. Simply determining if that patient would benefit more from a non-rebreather oxygen mask or a bag valve mask will many times narrow down your options before you even begin trying to choose the correct diagnosis&nbsp;</p><h2>Practice Quizzes</h2><p>Practice quizzes are your best friend for finding out where you need to improve on both the material as well as question-navigating. I recommend going back through your quizzes and looking at both the questions you missed and also the ones you guessed on but got correct. Determine why you missed the question. Was it because you do not know the information included in that question well enough? If so then research it, make flashcards, do whatever it takes to memorize and comprehend that content. Was it because you got off track of what the question was asking about or second guessed yourself? Then be aware of those mistakes you make consistently and self-correct.</p><p>I recommend any quiz app that allows you to choose the topics and number of questions you want to be quizzed on as well as gives a paragraph breakdown of why you got the question correct or incorrect. That way, even if you just happened to guess correctly, you can still quickly learn the material without spending hours trying to find it in the textbook. I personally recommend using <a href="https://pocketprep.sjv.io/e14WLz" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://pocketprep.sjv.io/e14WLz">PocketPrep</a>, Medic Tests, or Limmer Education for your practice quizzes.&nbsp;</p><p>Good luck to you in your NREMT Exam prep! Reach out to me if you would like <a href="https://nremttutoring.com/" data-mce-href="https://nremttutoring.com/">one-on-one tutoring</a> learning these question-answering techniques as well an in-depth understanding of your NREMT material!</p>

How to Break Down NREMT Questions: A Step-by-Step Guide

First aid training, Heart pump and uses a ventilator.

<h2>Understanding the EMT Role</h2><p>Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a crucial role in providing frontline medical care in emergency situations. As an EMT, you will be responsible for assessing patients, providing life-saving interventions, and transporting patients to medical facilities. This demanding yet rewarding career requires a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, which you will gain through your EMT class.</p><figure id="figure-gsqn6ehpqam6fpzin7"><img id="gsqn6ehpqam6fpzin7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2ByVkLsKiM2y3kY8am3LuG0QCxFNSHZVD6V8Q76b6kVaFImcUEEcp3jqU6dzU1Tk.jpeg" alt="emt training" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2ByVkLsKiM2y3kY8am3LuG0QCxFNSHZVD6V8Q76b6kVaFImcUEEcp3jqU6dzU1Tk.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Choosing Your EMT Class</h2><p>The very first step to becoming an EMT, and very often one of the most crucial, is choosing the right EMT class to attend. As an EMS tutor, the number one reason I see students struggling to pass their NREMT exam is due to inadequate preparation since they attended a poor EMT class.</p><p>There are multiple factors to consider when choosing your class. Since COVID, many schools have begun providing online and accelerated EMT courses. While this may seem convenient, beware of the potential cons of these options. Learning your EMT course material well enough to pass your class, national exam, and be a competent medical provider is no small undertaking. Unless you have a tremendous amount of time available to dedicate towards self-learning and research of your course material, I would reccomend sticking with an in-person, semester-length EMT course. This gives you the ability to actually absorb the material as you learn it and ask questions for clarification on the many complex topics you will face.&nbsp;</p><h2>Familiarize Yourself with Medical Terminology</h2><p>Having a basic understanding of medical terminology can significantly reduce the stress of and enhance your learning process in an EMT class. Terms related to anatomy, physiology, and common medical conditions are frequently used in course materials and practical training. Going into your EMT class without knowing these terms is like going to another country and only being able to understand half of their language. It greatly diminishes your ability to understand already complex material and adds tremendous stress to the learning process.</p><p>If possible, I reccomend taking a medical terminology course prior to your EMT course. Many schools require medical terminology credits anyways if you plan on gaining your paramedic certification. Another great option for learning these terms is your school textbook. If at all possible, gain access to your textbook well before class and make flashcards of all the key terms and terminology. If neither of these is a viable option for you, then I reccomend studying EMT medical terminology flashcards made by other EMTs on <a href="https://nremttutoring.com/other-resources" data-mce-href="https://nremttutoring.com/other-resources">Quizlet</a> or downloading <a href="https://pocketprep.sjv.io/e14WLz" data-mce-href="https://pocketprep.sjv.io/e14WLz">PocketPrep. </a>Familiarizing yourself with this material, even slightly, will go a long ways.</p><figure id="figure-boq4yhrczj8m6fpzn4s"><img id="boq4yhrczj8m6fpzn4s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/8xgLlaMzmgHawAuta3DJc5gJA62vjwLAVsV0FUt8WudgFknpADvMYmWZrFxitq9Y.jpeg" alt="medical terminology" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/8xgLlaMzmgHawAuta3DJc5gJA62vjwLAVsV0FUt8WudgFknpADvMYmWZrFxitq9Y.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Podcasts and Other Students/Providers</h2><p>The field of emergency medicine is constantly evolving, with new protocols and guidelines being introduced regularly. Having a passion for staying updated on current developments and protocols will not only help you pass your EMT class but will also help you be the best medical provider possible for your patients. Find podcasts on EMT/EMS topics you enjoy listening to, and make them part of your regular content consumption. Joining a local volunteer fire department or other EMS-related volunteer programs in your community is another great way to make connections and familiarize yourself with the environment.</p><h2>Mentally Prepare for Challenges</h2><p>Many students go into EMT class without realizing the quantity and complexity of the material they will be required to learn as well as the amount of time they will need to dedicate to class, studying, and ride-alongs/clinicals. This is another reason why I do not reccomend online or accelerated classes in most cases. Having the correct outlook and expectations going into class can make all the difference in your success.</p><p>Understand that you may have little to no time outside of class for its duration, especially if it takes you more time or effort to learn new concepts than it does for other students. Be prepared to be overwhelmed, especially the first few weeks of class. This is completely normal. Many students do not feel confident with their material until near the end of or even after class. Just stay focused on learing the current week's material thoroughly one week at a time, and eventually all the pieces of the puzzle will fall together!</p><h2>Utilize Available Resources</h2><p>Finally, take advantage of the resources available to you during your EMT training. This includes reaching out to instructors for clarification on difficult topics, participating in study groups, and utilizing online forums for EMT students. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions in class! Most likely another student is wondering the same thing, and you will have to learn the content correctly if you wish to pass your NREMT exam. If you are struggling to pass your exams, fully understand the class material, you take more time/effort than others to learn topics, or you just want to remove some of the stress, then please reach out to me for one-on-one <a href="https://nremttutoring.com/services" data-mce-href="https://nremttutoring.com/services">online tutoring</a>! Your first session is completely free so you can see if I will be a good fit for your needs!</p><p>By following these essential tips, you'll be well-prepared to succeed in your EMT class and embark on a fulfilling career in emergency medical services. Enjoy the process, and good luck to you in your EMS journey!</p>

How to Prepare for EMT Class

Clothespins and a sheet of notebook with the inscription - Common Mistakes

<h2>Understanding the NREMT Exam</h2><p>The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam is a crucial step for aspiring EMTs and Paramedics. It's designed to ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide emergency medical care. However, many candidates find themselves struggling to pass this challenging exam even if they excelled in their class. Understanding the common reasons for failure and learning how to overcome them is key to achieving success.</p><figure id="figure-7ebluzhz9wm4x94huk"><img id="7ebluzhz9wm4x94huk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22Zc85ire1byjWiHyGAZ1bk0Yfwm0lEVl0WVOptgDINg6F5e4aM7kmdUGDgyUfnF.jpeg" alt="emt exam" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/22Zc85ire1byjWiHyGAZ1bk0Yfwm0lEVl0WVOptgDINg6F5e4aM7kmdUGDgyUfnF.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Common Pitfalls in the NREMT Exam</h2><h3>Lack of Preparation</h3><p>One of the most frequent reasons for failing the NREMT exam is insufficient preparation, either due to a poor class or lack of personal effort. The rise of accelerated and online courses has greatly contributed to this issue, as students are not able to ask necessary questions or have time to fully absorb complex material. In other instances, you may have had instructors who taught you "local protocol" rather than national protocols or taught you how to pass their class exams without adequately preparing you for the NREMT.&nbsp;</p><p>Any one or a combination of these issues causes the student to resort to word association and answer memorization to pass their class rather than understanding the "why" behind complicated concepts. This leads to students passing their class but then having difficulty with the tricky NREMT-style questions, which can be both difficult to break down and require in-depth knowledge of the topic to answer correctly.</p><h3>Trouble Breaking down NREMT-Style Questions</h3><p>Another very common reason for students to fail the NREMT is due to both the style and difficulty of NREMT questions. Many students feel like they have a good understanding of most concepts, but then struggle explaining either the "why" behind the concept or how to apply that knowledge to scenario-based questions. </p><p>Even if you did well in class, the class exams may not mirror registry style questions very well. Many registry questions have answer options that are very similar and they are scenario-based questions. These two components make having an in-depth knowledge of the "why" absolutely essential to choose correct answers.</p><h3>Test Anxiety</h3><p>Another significant factor is test anxiety. The pressure of taking a high-stakes exam can lead to stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact performance. Most students realize that not only is this exam going to be more difficult than probably any other they have taken, but it also usually determines the potential for employment opportunities. There is also added stress with the cost of each exam attempt, money spent on preparation materials, and knowing you only have a limited number of attempts to pass.</p><p>This anxiety can lead to second guessing yourself on answers, especially if you have failed multiple times and consequently lost you confidence as well. Always keep in mind that you MAY get some answers correct by guessing, but you will for SURE get multiple incorrect. Know that you are not alone with these doubts. All of these factors and circumstances are currently happening to many others as well. Do NOT get discouraged though! There are solutions to each of these problems, and you most certainly can still pass the NREMT if you are willing to put in the work!</p><figure id="figure-1jdgykf8fm4x94l6l"><img id="1jdgykf8fm4x94l6l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/64vAfjjTX2Uw5gefAQiJboLpPxHOaTwaxzxeqRsO5N0RlGp8U5duErem5yTsjHSp.jpeg" alt="exam stress" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/64vAfjjTX2Uw5gefAQiJboLpPxHOaTwaxzxeqRsO5N0RlGp8U5duErem5yTsjHSp.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Solutions for These Problems</h2><h3>Flashcards</h3><p>I know the majority of us despise writing out and going over flashcards, but that is one of the most effective ways to memorize anything you are struggling to remember. If you are coming across words you are not familiar with, make a flashcard and go over it daily until the information is 100% solidified. The NREMT uses medical terminology frequently, so failure to understand these words means you might as well be taking the exam in a foreign language. </p><p>Use this same process for any other topics you struggle with, especially disease processes. Make sure to write the symptoms that are "unique" to that disease process in a special area, as those are going to be key to separating it from other disease processes. Putting the time in to commit these words and concepts to memory is an absolute necessity for passing the NREMT. </p><h3>Online Practice Quizzes</h3><p>Online practice quizzes are my number one overall recommendation for improving both your knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge to answering scenario-based questions. <a href="https://pocketprep.sjv.io/e14WLz" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://pocketprep.sjv.io/e14WLz">PocketPrep</a> is my personal favorite, but I just recommend any app that has two key features. 1. It allows you to choose the topics and number of questions you want to be quizzed on. 2. Has a thorough explanation of why you got the answer correct or incorrect. This saves you from having to spend hours researching topics in your textbook, therefore making your studying much more efficient and productive.</p><p>Take the time to review your quizzes. Look at both the questions you got wrong as well as the ones you guessed on but got correct. Determine exactly why you missed the question. Are you not familiar enough with the signs and symptoms of that disease process and what sets it apart from the others? Did you fail to understand the question because of words you are not familiar with? Did you choose an answer that was somewhat correct but not as correct as another? Or are you misreading questions, answer options, or second guessing yourself after initially having the right answer? Taking the time to spot these weak areas and correct them is ESSENTIAL for passing the NREMT!</p><h3>Study Groups and Tutoring</h3><p>If you have come to the realization during or after your class that there are topics you are failing to understand thoroughly, then do not be afraid to ask for help! Your primary resource of course should be your instructor. If you are out of class or in a class without time or instructor access for asking questions, there are other options. </p><p>Studying with other students who know the material can be very helpful, just remember that they are also students alongside you though and may have gaps in their knowledge or ability to explain concepts. See if there are EMTs or Paramedics who have passed their NREMT and are willing to share their knowledge. Your ambulance ride time during class is a great opportunity to make connections for this!&nbsp;</p><p>Online tutoring is another excellent option, and can often be the most effective and efficient. An experienced tutor will be able to show you where and why you are failing, explain any NREMT content in-depth in a way you can comprehend and remember, and restore confidence in your ability to pass this difficult exam. Although it can be difficult to find a tutor that fits your style of learning, and it may seem like an added cost, you will ultimately save both time and money by reducing how long it takes before you successfully pass the exam and the cost of multiple exam attempts. This is another reason why I give my students their <a href="https://nremttutoring.com/services" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://nremttutoring.com/services">first session</a> for FREE!&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-zpmwfe2cfmm4x94uvy" class=""><img id="zpmwfe2cfmm4x94uvy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2cgiYFLUTBjf6PX47J9UB07mbj9ZC5I50noRUFVAr4G5LKYtodOBfgVanCofnJpe.jpeg" alt="study group" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2cgiYFLUTBjf6PX47J9UB07mbj9ZC5I50noRUFVAr4G5LKYtodOBfgVanCofnJpe.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><p>By understanding the common reasons for failing the NREMT exam and implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, persistence and dedication are crucial, so keep pushing forward until you achieve your goal. If you put in the work and utilize the necessary resources, you will achieve your certification and the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes along with it!</p>

Why Did I Fail the NREMT?

Medical knowledge. Pile of open books for medical student

<h2>Understanding the NREMT Exam</h2><p>The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam is a crucial step for aspiring EMTs and paramedics. It's designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform at the entry level in the EMS field. Preparing for this exam requires dedication, effective study tools, and strategic planning. My hope is that by using these tools you can make your studying more efficient and productive!</p><h3>Flashcards</h3><p>Flashcards are a powerful tool for memorization, especially for medical terminology anatomy, medications, vital signs, and anything else that is straight memorization. They facilitate active recall, which is proven to enhance memory retention. Whether digital or physical, flashcards allow for quick and effective review sessions anywhere, anytime.</p><p>I recommend having three groups of flashcards. The first group is the things you are just learning. Go over these daily until you are familiar with them enough for them to graduate to the second group. The second group is information you know pretty well but still are not 100% sure you could recall it if necessary. Go over these cards maybe two or three times a week until you have them memorized without a doubt. Your third stack is the cards you have memorized with 100% certainty. Keep these around to review closer to your exam time!</p><figure id="figure-mp4f9u3bkm4btv6os"><img id="mp4f9u3bkm4btv6os" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1227528630/photo/gcse-physics-revision.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2MBzG3_NTZQLxjkFWh-22lO5QU5bgdDr-ZqnZg47iXg=" alt="GCSE physics revision" title="GCSE physics revision" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1227528630/photo/gcse-physics-revision.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=2MBzG3_NTZQLxjkFWh-22lO5QU5bgdDr-ZqnZg47iXg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Mobile Apps and Online Practice Quizzes</h3><p>In today’s digital age, mobile apps have become a convenient way to study on-the-go. Apps specifically designed for the NREMT exam can offer interactive learning experiences, including quizzes, video lessons, and progress tracking, allowing you to see your strengths and weaknesses. Some popular apps even provide daily reminders to help you stay consistent with your study routine. This continuous engagement ensures that you are consistently reinforcing your knowledge leading up to exam day. I personally recommend <a title="PocketPrep" href="https://www.pocketprep.com/exams/nremt-emt/?irclickid=W4qWjC1dExyPWN%3AyPIyIqSvyUkCVsN2hp1H2yo0&amp;irgwc=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.pocketprep.com/exams/nremt-emt/?irclickid=W4qWjC1dExyPWN%3AyPIyIqSvyUkCVsN2hp1H2yo0&amp;irgwc=1">PocketPrep</a> for both EMT and Paramedic exam prep, but especially for paramedics due to PocketPrep having clinical judgment questions.&nbsp;</p><p>Doing daily practice quizzes is my&nbsp;<strong>number one</strong> recommeded study tool! Practice quizzed help you prepare for the two most critical aspects of the NREMT more than any other mode of studying. Those two aspects are 1. Learning the material necessary to pass the exam. 2. Learning how to break down NREMT-style questions and choose the "most correct" answer. Take the time to review each of the questions you missed and the ones you guessed on. See if it is information you need to study and understand more in-depth, if you are choosing good answers but they just are not the "most correct", or if you consistently make errors due to misreading and overthinking.</p><h3>Online Tutoring</h3><p>While all of these other resources can be extremely helpful in improving the efficiency and productivity of your studying, there is definitely nothing quite like having an experienced tutor be able to guide you through the process. A good tutor can explain in-depth why disease processes occur and how to treat them, how to break down NREMT-style questions and why answers are more or less correct than others, key words to look for and associate, and anything else you may have questions about!&nbsp;</p><p>Online tutoring is an especially useful resource for those who went through an online/accelerated course or have failed the NREMT before. An experienced tutor can answer an of the questions you were not able to ask in class and help you understand exactly why you are not passing the exam. Although is more expensive than the other mentioned resource, it can save you a lot of time, stress and frustration by giving you immediate answers and preventing you from failing and having to retake the exam multiple times. Please feel free to look over <a title="reviews" href="https://nremttutoring.com/reviews" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://nremttutoring.com/reviews">reviews</a> left by my previous students and reach out if there is anything I can help you with!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><h2>Final Tips for Exam Success</h2><p>While study tools are essential, it's equally important to maintain a balanced approach to your preparation. Ensure you get adequate rest, take regular breaks during study sessions, and manage stress effectively. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success.</p><p>Utilizing a combination of these top study tools will not only boost your confidence but also enhance your chances of acing the NREMT exam. Good luck on your journey to achieving your national certification!</p>

What is the Best Study Tool for the NREMT Exam?

Rear view of group of business people on computer seminar.

<h2>Understanding the NREMT Exam Format</h2><p>The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam is a pivotal and difficult step for those aspiring to become certified EMTs. This computer-adaptive test evaluates your knowledge and clinical judgment in emergency situations. While the test can range from 70 to 120 questions, many candidates wonder if it matters what question they get stopped on.</p><p>The NREMT is an adaptive "competency-based" exam, meaning that as you answer questions correctly, they get more and more difficult. Once you answer the "entry-level competency" questions correctly, you have passed that section of the exam. There are five sections you reach competency in, with the largest section being medical/OBGYN. So, for example, if you answer the nine hardest questions about Trauma all correctly, then you will not have to answer the easier questions for trauma. Once the testing metrics are 95% certain you have either passed or failed, you will be kicked out of the exam. So in short, getting kicked out at 70 questions usually means the testing metrics were very confident, after just over half the exam, that you are either going to reach or fail to reach the "competency level" of each section. Going all the way or closer to 120 questions then means it took the metrics longer to determine your competency level, usually indicating a combination of multiple correct and incorrect answers.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-230dzgt95km3ta3zhs"><img id="230dzgt95km3ta3zhs" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/511280669/photo/happy-female-mature-student-sitting-in-computer-class.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tr5SycEa6IoChpg76zRrEXnSS1ZLNDhHfCos7UqJVbo=" alt="EMT Paramedic EMT student paramedic student emt tutor paramedic tutor emt tutoring paramedic tutoring NREMT NREMT tutor NREMT tutoring national registry national registry prep national registry tutor NREMT prep NREMT practice exam NREMT practice questions NREMT refresher NREMT refresher course " title="EMT Paramedic EMT student paramedic student emt tutor paramedic tutor emt tutoring paramedic tutoring NREMT NREMT tutor NREMT tutoring national registry national registry prep national registry tutor NREMT prep NREMT practice exam NREMT practice questions NREMT refresher NREMT refresher course " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/511280669/photo/happy-female-mature-student-sitting-in-computer-class.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tr5SycEa6IoChpg76zRrEXnSS1ZLNDhHfCos7UqJVbo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Should I take my exam in person or at home?</h2><p>Since Covid, the NREMT has started allowing students to take the NREMT from home. While many consider this as a good alternative to testing at a designated facility due to thinking it will reduce stress, that is usually not the case. As an NREMT tutor who has had many students take this route with that mindset, the exact opposite ended up being the case.&nbsp;</p><p>Due to this national exam being necessary for your national certification, the NREMT has VERY strict guidelines for at-home testing that actually make the experience more stressful than just going to a facility. I have had multiple students who either looked away from their screen too long, had some background noise, or some other minor and non-cheating event that caused them to be kicked from the exam and lose their attempt and exam fee. So if you are planning to take the exam from home, I strongly recommend reviewing the requirements thoroughly and spending ample time ensuring you can meet them. Do NOT try to just wake up and take the exam from home without ample forethought and planning.</p><figure id="figure-pgu3gqs86fm3ta41ju"><img id="pgu3gqs86fm3ta41ju" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1519389950473-47ba0277781c?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxzdHVkeS1zZXNzaW9ufGVufDB8fHx8MTczMjMxMjQ2MHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="study-session" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1519389950473-47ba0277781c?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxzdHVkeS1zZXNzaW9ufGVufDB8fHx8MTczMjMxMjQ2MHww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Test Day Preparation</h2><p>As the exam day approaches, ensure you are well-prepared physically and mentally. Get a good night’s sleep before the test, and have a nutritious breakfast to fuel your brain the morning of. I reccomend choosing a testing time that fits your usual daily schedule. Do not choose a morning exam time if you are not a morning person. Make sure you are familiar with the testing site location and where to go for testing. Arrive at the testing center early to avoid any last-minute stress, which can be a huge detriment for this already anxiety-inducing exam.</p><p>While you should be doing as much studying as humanly possible in the weeks leading up to the exam, the same should not be true of the day before testing. I reccomend that all of my students take the day before to just relax their brain and refresh on their memorized material. Go over anything that is straight memorization to make sure it is fresh on your mind. Things like normal vital signs (especially for pediatrics), GCS, APGAR, Rule of Nines, medication information and others can be easy to forget if you have not reviewed them for awhile. During the exam, read each question carefully. If unsure about an answer, eliminate the most unlikely options first. Remember, the test is designed to challenge you, so it’s normal to encounter difficult questions. If the questions stay easy, that just means you are getting them incorrect. Stay calm and focused, and manage your time wisely to ensure you answer all questions.</p><p>I hope this information has given some practical guidance for passing your NREMT! Good luck to you, and please reach out if there is anything I can help you with!</p>

Blog

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How to Break Down NREMT Questions: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Prepare for EMT Class

Why Did I Fail the NREMT?

What is the Best Study Tool for the NREMT Exam?

NREMT Prep: Does Reaching 70 or 120 Questions Matter?