PCP Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PCP exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 PCP Exam Format at a Glance
📚 PCP Topics to Study (23)
✍️ Sample PCP Questions & Answers
1. A paramedic crew is involved in a motor vehicle accident while responding to a call. According to most protocols, what is the FIRST notification that must be made?
Dispatch must be notified immediately so another unit can respond to the original call and agency protocols for responder injury can be activated.
2. Which of the following best describes compensated shock in a pediatric patient?
Children compensate for shock by maintaining near-normal BP through tachycardia and vasoconstriction — hypotension is a late, ominous sign.
3. What is one thing you should NOT do when treating a patient with an acute abdomen?
Explanation: One thing you should NOT do when treating a patient with an acute abdomen is to attempt to diagnose the cause of the problem. Diagnosing the cause of an acute abdomen requires medical expertise and diagnostic tests that are beyond the scope of practice for a paramedic. Instead, focus on managing the patient's symptoms, providing supportive care, and promptly transporting the patient to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment by a physician.
4. The 4 H's and 4 T's of PEA/asystole include Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo/Hyperkalemia, Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, and:
The 4 T's are Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade, Toxins, and Thrombosis (pulmonary embolism or AMI).
5. The Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) evaluates which three components?
The PAT rapidly assesses Appearance (tone, interactiveness), Work of Breathing (effort, sounds), and Circulation to Skin (color, mottling).
6. Which of the following is the preferred site for intraosseous (IO) access in a pediatric patient?
The proximal tibia (anteromedial surface, 2 cm below the tibial tuberosity) is the primary IO site in pediatric patients.