Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Basic Certification Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What occurs when a clot forms and blocks off circulation?

Embolism
Aneurysm
Thrombus
Shock

The correct answer is: Thrombus

A clot that forms within a blood vessel, obstructing circulation, is referred to as a thrombus. This condition can develop in various scenarios, such as at the site of atherosclerosis or after blood vessel injury. When a thrombus forms, it restricts blood flow, potentially leading to tissue damage due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients, which is crucial for cellular function. Understanding the context of the other terms helps clarify why they do not fit the definition provided in the question. An embolism involves a clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a vessel, while an aneurysm refers to a bulging or weakened area in an artery that can rupture, leading to bleeding. Shock is a life-threatening condition resulting from insufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs, which can be caused by various factors but does not specifically describe a clot blocking circulation.