Mixed Deck — All First Aid Topics Flashcards

An avulsion is best described as:

Answer: A wound where skin or tissue is torn away or left hanging

An avulsion involves the forcible tearing away of skin or tissue, sometimes leaving a flap attached; it requires controlling bleeding and keeping the flap moist if possible.

Which of the following is a sign that a tick bite may be causing Lyme disease?

Answer: A bulls-eye (ring-shaped) rash around the bite

The bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans) is a hallmark early sign of Lyme disease and requires prompt medical evaluation.

After the AED delivers a shock, what should the rescuer do next?

Answer: Immediately resume chest compressions.

Immediately after an AED delivers a shock, the rescuer should resume high-quality chest compressions without delay. Minimizing interruptions in chest compressions is critical for maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart.

When using the RICE method for a knee sprain, what is the primary purpose of the compression bandage?

Answer: Reduce swelling and provide support to the injured tissue

Compression reduces excessive swelling by limiting fluid accumulation in the injured tissue and provides mild mechanical support.

Which layer of skin is ONLY affected in a superficial (first-degree) burn?

Answer: Epidermis

Superficial (first-degree) burns affect only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, causing redness and minor pain without blistering.

In addition to difficulty breathing and swelling of the face or tongue, which of the following is a common sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)?

Answer: A skin reaction, such as hives or widespread redness.

Anaphylaxis is a multi-system reaction. Along with respiratory distress, common signs include skin reactions like hives, itching, or flushed skin. Other signs can include a rapid, weak pulse and low blood pressure (not high), and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or vomiting.

When is it appropriate to use a commercial tourniquet versus improvised methods for severe limb bleeding?

Answer: Commercial tourniquets are preferred when available; improvised used only if necessary

Commercial tourniquets are designed for consistent pressure and come with time-marking features; improvised versions are a last resort.

Which region of the spine is most commonly injured in motor vehicle accidents?

Answer: Cervical (neck)

The cervical spine is most vulnerable in car accidents because whiplash forces cause violent flexion-extension of the neck.

An employee begins showing signs of heat exhaustion—heavy sweating, weakness, and cool clammy skin. What is the priority first aid step?

Answer: Move them to a cool area and provide cool water to sip

Moving to a cool environment and hydrating with cool water are the first steps to prevent progression to heat stroke.

A victim has excessive chest hair that may prevent AED pads from adhering properly. What is the best action?

Answer: Quickly shave the area with a razor included in the AED kit before applying pads

Most AED kits include a razor; quickly shave the area to ensure proper pad-to-skin contact, which is essential for an effective shock.

When applying a tourniquet to control severe limb bleeding, how far above the wound should it be placed?

Answer: 2–3 inches above the wound

A tourniquet should be placed 2–3 inches above the wound, never directly on a joint, to effectively compress the artery.

A person suddenly feels dizzy and becomes pale before fainting. After they have fainted but are breathing normally, what is the best position to place them in while they recover, assuming no other injuries?

Answer: Lying on their back with their legs elevated 8-12 inches.

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain. Lying the person flat on their back and elevating their legs helps restore blood flow to the brain, aiding recovery. The recovery position is used if you must leave the person or if they are vomiting. Sitting them up or walking them around could cause them to faint again.

A rescuer is treating a victim with severe arterial bleeding from the thigh. A tourniquet has been applied but blood is still seeping. What is the correct action?

Answer: Tighten the tourniquet further until bleeding stops

If a tourniquet is not stopping arterial bleeding, it must be tightened until the bleeding is controlled, as inadequate pressure is ineffective.

A diabetic person is confused, sweating, and shaking. They are still conscious and able to swallow. What should you give them?

Answer: Sugar in some form (juice, glucose tablets, candy)

These symptoms indicate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar); giving a fast-acting sugar source raises blood glucose quickly.

A person at a restaurant suddenly cannot breathe, cannot speak, and clutches their throat. What does this universal distress signal indicate and what should you do first?

Answer: Complete airway obstruction — perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)

The universal choking sign combined with inability to speak or breathe signals complete obstruction requiring immediate Heimlich maneuver.

Which of the following is a late sign of significant blood loss indicating severe hemorrhagic shock?

Answer: Unresponsiveness and absent radial pulse

Loss of consciousness and absent peripheral pulses indicate decompensated shock — a critical emergency requiring immediate EMS intervention.

A victim is in shock and begins vomiting. What is the immediate action to prevent aspiration?

Answer: Turn them onto their side (if no spinal injury suspected) to clear the airway

Rolling the victim onto their side prevents aspiration of vomit into the airway, which can cause a fatal airway obstruction or aspiration pneumonia.

Which of the following is a sign of anaphylactic shock?

Answer: Hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing

Anaphylaxis causes systemic allergic reactions including hives, angioedema, and bronchospasm leading to breathing difficulty.

A person has been bitten by a spider and develops muscle cramping, sweating, and abdominal pain. Which spider is most likely responsible?

Answer: Black widow spider

Black widow venom is a neurotoxin that causes systemic symptoms including severe muscle cramps, sweating, and abdominal pain.

A victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally. After calling 911, what should you do next?

Answer: Begin CPR starting with chest compressions

Current guidelines recommend starting CPR with chest compressions (C-A-B: Compressions, Airway, Breathing) immediately after calling 911.