Life Span Development

5 free sample questions of the 14 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   The age range typically defined as 'infant' for EMS assessment purposes is:

   • A.Birth to 1 month
   • B.Birth to 1 year
   • C.1 to 3 years
   • D.Birth to 6 months
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Birth to 1 year

   Infant: birth to 1 year. Neonate is specifically the first 28-30 days. Toddler: 1-3 years. Preschool: 3-6. School-age: 6-12. Adolescent: 12-18.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Life Span Development > Applies knowledge of life span development (EMT level)

2. Question 2

   The normal heart rate range for a resting infant (1 month to 1 year) is approximately:

   • A.60–100 bpm
   • B.100–160 bpm
   • C.70–110 bpm
   • D.30–60 bpm
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. 100–160 bpm

   Infant HR: ~100–160 bpm at rest. Neonate (≤1 mo): up to 180. Toddler: 90–150. Preschool: 80–140. School-age: 70–120. Adolescent/adult: 60–100.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Life Span Development > Applies knowledge of life span development (EMT level)

3. Question 3

   Normal respiratory rate for a resting infant is approximately:

   • A.12–20 breaths/min
   • B.25–50 breaths/min
   • C.8–12 breaths/min
   • D.60–90 breaths/min
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. 25–50 breaths/min

   Infant RR: ~25–50. Toddler: 20–40. Preschool: 20–30. School-age: 18–25. Adolescent/adult: 12–20.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Life Span Development > Applies knowledge of life span development (EMT level)

4. Question 4

   The anterior fontanelle (soft spot) typically closes by approximately:

   • A.3 months of age
   • B.6 months of age
   • C.18 months of age
   • D.5 years of age
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: C. 18 months of age

   The anterior fontanelle usually closes between 12–18 months. The posterior fontanelle closes earlier (≤3 months). A bulging or sunken fontanelle is an important assessment finding.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Life Span Development > Applies knowledge of life span development (EMT level)

5. Question 5

   A 2-year-old toddler typically demonstrates:

   • A.Abstract reasoning and metacognition
   • B.Stranger anxiety, parallel play, and limited verbal communication
   • C.Full understanding of cause and effect
   • D.Adult-level coping with painful procedures
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Stranger anxiety, parallel play, and limited verbal communication

   Toddlers show stranger anxiety, parallel play (alongside but not with peers), and a limited expressive vocabulary. Allow comfort by a caregiver during exam; explain in concrete, brief terms.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Life Span Development > Applies knowledge of life span development (EMT level)

9 more Life Span Development questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

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.