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Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Terminology

5 free sample questions of the 32 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

  1. Question 1

    The standard anatomical position describes a patient who is:

    • A.Lying face-down with arms at the sides
    • B.Standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms forward
    • C.Sitting upright in a chair
    • D.Lying on the left side with knees flexed
    Show answer & explanation
    Answer: B. Standing upright, facing forward, arms at the sides with palms forward

    Anatomical position is the standardized reference: standing upright, face forward, arms at the sides with palms turned forward (supine forearms). All directional terms (anterior, lateral, etc.) reference this position.

    Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Anatomy and Physiology (EMT level)

  2. Question 2

    A wound on the front of the chest is BEST described anatomically as:

    • A.Posterior
    • B.Anterior
    • C.Lateral
    • D.Medial
    Show answer & explanation
    Answer: B. Anterior

    Anterior = front. Posterior = back. Lateral = away from the body's midline. Medial = toward the midline.

    Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Anatomy and Physiology (EMT level)

  3. Question 3

    The wrist is __________ to the elbow.

    • A.Proximal
    • B.Distal
    • C.Superior
    • D.Medial
    Show answer & explanation
    Answer: B. Distal

    Distal = farther from the trunk (or point of attachment). The wrist is farther from the torso than the elbow, so it is distal to the elbow. Proximal means closer to the trunk.

    Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Anatomy and Physiology (EMT level)

  4. Question 4

    A patient is positioned supine. This means the patient is:

    • A.Lying on the abdomen (face-down)
    • B.Lying on the back (face-up)
    • C.Lying on the left side
    • D.Seated upright
    Show answer & explanation
    Answer: B. Lying on the back (face-up)

    Supine = face-up (lying on the back). Prone = face-down. Left/right lateral recumbent = on the named side. Fowler's = seated upright.

    Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Anatomy and Physiology (EMT level)

  5. Question 5

    The 'recovery position' is best described as:

    • A.Supine with head down (Trendelenburg)
    • B.Left lateral recumbent
    • C.Prone with arms over head
    • D.Seated upright (Fowler's)
    Show answer & explanation
    Answer: B. Left lateral recumbent

    The recovery position is a left (or modified) lateral recumbent position that helps maintain a patent airway and reduces aspiration risk in an unconscious patient who has spontaneous breathing and no suspected spinal injury.

    Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Airway Management, Respiration and Ventilation > Techniques of assuring a patent airway (EMT: F,F)

27 more Anatomy, Physiology & Medical Terminology questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

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OnScene is an independent study aid based on the NREMT EMT Examination Specifications (2023 Practice Analysis), the National EMS Education Standards 2021, the National EMS Scope of Practice Model 2019, and the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NREMT, NHTSA, the American Heart Association, or any other organization.