First Aid Bleeding and Wound Care 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A tourniquet has been applied. How should you mark time of application?
- Write the time on the patient's skin near the tourniquet with a marker (Correct answer)
- Remember the time mentally and inform EMS verbally
- Tie a note to the patient's clothing
- Set a timer on your phone only
Correct answer: Write the time on the patient's skin near the tourniquet with a marker
Writing 'TK' and the time directly on the patient's skin ensures EMS always has the critical information even if rescuers change.
Question 2: What is the maximum recommended time a tourniquet should remain on a limb before tissue damage becomes a serious concern?
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour
- 2 hours (Correct answer)
- 4 hours
Correct answer: 2 hours
Tourniquets should be removed or reassessed within approximately 2 hours to minimize risk of permanent nerve and tissue damage.
Question 3: During wound irrigation, what is the recommended minimum volume of clean water to use for a contaminated wound?
- A brief rinse of about 50 mL
- At least 250–500 mL or more (Correct answer)
- Just enough to remove visible debris
- A single cup (about 240 mL) maximum
Correct answer: At least 250–500 mL or more
Copious irrigation with at least 250–500 mL of clean water significantly reduces bacterial contamination and infection risk.
Question 4: A patient is showing signs of hypovolemic shock from blood loss. Which combination of signs is most consistent with this condition?
- Slow heart rate, high blood pressure, warm skin
- Rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure, pale cool clammy skin (Correct answer)
- Normal pulse, confusion, flushed skin
- Slow breathing, strong pulse, dry skin
Correct answer: Rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure, pale cool clammy skin
Hypovolemic shock causes compensatory tachycardia, hypotension, and peripheral vasoconstriction resulting in pale, cool, clammy skin.
Question 5: Which wound type is MOST likely to require sutures or wound closure strips to heal properly?
- A superficial abrasion on the forearm
- A deep 2-inch laceration on the scalp (Correct answer)
- A minor puncture wound from a thumbtack
- A first-degree burn from briefly touching a hot surface
Correct answer: A deep 2-inch laceration on the scalp
Deep lacerations with gaping edges require closure to approximate tissue, reduce infection risk, and minimize scarring.
Question 6: What does the term 'ecchymosis' refer to in wound assessment?
- A deep puncture wound track
- Bruising caused by blood leaking into surrounding tissue (Correct answer)
- Infection with pus formation
- Swelling from fluid accumulation
Correct answer: Bruising caused by blood leaking into surrounding tissue
Ecchymosis is the medical term for bruising — discoloration caused by blood from damaged vessels spreading under the skin.
Question 7: A dressing that sticks to a wound is being removed. What is the safest technique?
- Pull it off quickly to minimize pain duration
- Moisten the dressing with saline or water before gently peeling it away (Correct answer)
- Soak the entire limb in water for 10 minutes first
- Cut the dressing off with scissors including the tissue attached
Correct answer: Moisten the dressing with saline or water before gently peeling it away
Moistening an adherent dressing softens dried blood and exudate, reducing trauma to healing tissue during removal.
First Aid Bleeding and Wound Care 4
A tourniquet has been applied.
How should you mark time of application?