CPC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What should a paramedic do if a patient refuses care? → Respect the refusal and document it thoroughly
2. When using the PRAPARE (Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient Assets, Risks, and Experiences) tool, the community paramedic is assessing: → Social determinants of health risk factors
3. Which SDOH domain directly encompasses a patient's inability to afford prescription medications? → Economic stability
4. A community paramedic observes a sacral wound with undermining noted at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. What does 'undermining' mean in wound assessment? → Tissue destruction extending beyond the wound edges under intact skin
5. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Action Plan, often taught to first responders, is represented by the acronym ALGEE. What does the 'L' in ALGEE stand for? → Listen non-judgmentally.
6. What is the primary goal of preventive care in community paramedicine? → Preventing illness and promoting wellness
7. Which of the following is the BEST example of a 'upstream' social determinant intervention for reducing asthma hospitalizations? → Advocating for housing code enforcement to reduce indoor allergens
8. Which approach best supports patients with chronic mental health conditions? → Build trust and provide consistent follow-up
9. A community paramedic is assessing a patient for alcohol use disorder. Which AUDIT-C score in a male patient indicates high-risk drinking? → Score of 4 or higher
10. Which community resource is MOST appropriate for a patient experiencing housing insecurity that is exacerbating their mental health condition? → Refer to a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) continuum of care program
11. What is considered a key social determinant of health? → Access to housing
12. The ethical concept most directly applicable when a community paramedic advocates for a patient to receive a specialist referral they cannot afford is: → Beneficence — acting in the patient's best interest
13. Which target HbA1c is recommended by the American Diabetes Association for most non-pregnant adults with type 2 diabetes? → <7.0%
14. Under HIPAA, in which scenario may a community paramedic share patient information without explicit consent? → Coordinating care with treating providers directly involved in the patient's care
15. Fatigue has been shown to impair EMS providers in a manner comparable to which condition? → Alcohol intoxication
16. Which of the following is the PRIMARY function of a 211 call center in community paramedicine resource coordination? → Providing free, confidential information and referrals to health and social services
17. A community paramedic is assessing respiratory rate in a patient. What is the correct technique for measuring respiratory rate? → Count breaths for a full 60 seconds without informing the patient
18. A community paramedic is visiting a patient with confirmed active pulmonary tuberculosis. Which PPE must be worn during the encounter? → N95 respirator, gloves, and gown
19. When a community paramedic observes a peer exhibiting warning signs of suicidality, the MOST appropriate immediate action is to: → Directly and compassionately ask the peer if they are thinking about suicide
20. Which population is at HIGHEST risk for poor health outcomes directly linked to residential segregation? → Racial and ethnic minorities concentrated in under-resourced urban areas
21. A community paramedic screens a 45-year-old patient using the PRAPARE tool. The patient reports unstable housing. The FIRST appropriate action is to: → Refer to an emergency shelter resource
22. Which outcome measure is MOST appropriate for evaluating the effectiveness of a patient-centered care plan for a diabetic patient? → Patient's self-reported confidence in diabetes self-management and measured A1C trends
23. A community paramedic visits an elderly patient with CHF who refuses daily weight monitoring. What is the most patient-centered approach? → Explore the patient's reasons and negotiate an acceptable alternative monitoring method
24. A patient with limited English proficiency needs health education. What is the best practice for a community paramedic? → Use a trained medical interpreter or translation service
25. When documenting a workplace injury, which piece of information is LEAST critical to include in the initial incident report? → Provider's personal opinion about management competence
26. Which legal doctrine holds that a community paramedic may be held liable for the negligent acts of unlicensed personnel they supervise? → Respondeat superior
27. A community paramedic program partners with a local hospital to follow up with patients discharged with CHF. This type of arrangement is BEST described as: → A post-discharge transitional care partnership
28. Which technique is most effective when communicating with a person experiencing a mental health crisis? → Maintain a calm tone and actively listen
29. Which of the following BEST defines 'health equity' in the context of community paramedicine? → Ensuring every person has a fair opportunity to attain their highest level of health
30. Under HIPAA, a community paramedic may share patient mental health information with another treating provider WITHOUT specific patient authorization when: → The disclosure is for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations (TPO)