First Aid Bleeding, Wounds, and Shock 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A victim has a deep laceration on their forearm with bright red blood spurting in pulses. What type of bleeding is this?
- Venous bleeding
- Arterial bleeding (Correct answer)
- Capillary bleeding
- Internal bleeding
Correct answer: Arterial bleeding
Arterial bleeding is characterized by bright red blood that spurts in pulses synchronized with the heartbeat.
Question 2: When applying a tourniquet to control severe limb bleeding, how far above the wound should it be placed?
- Directly on the wound
- 1–2 inches above the wound
- 2–3 inches above the wound (Correct answer)
- At least 6 inches above the wound
Correct 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.
Question 3: You improvise a tourniquet using a triangular bandage. What must you always do after applying it?
- Loosen it every 10 minutes
- Note the time of application on the victim's skin or tag (Correct answer)
- Cover it with clothing to keep it warm
- Remove it once bleeding slows
Correct answer: Note the time of application on the victim's skin or tag
Always write the time of tourniquet application on the victim's forehead or a tag so medical personnel know how long it has been in place.
Question 4: Which sign best indicates a victim is developing hypovolemic shock after significant blood loss?
- Flushed, warm skin
- Slow, bounding pulse
- Rapid, weak pulse with pale clammy skin (Correct answer)
- High blood pressure and slow breathing
Correct answer: Rapid, weak pulse with pale clammy skin
Hypovolemic shock presents with a rapid, weak pulse and pale, cool, clammy skin as the body tries to compensate for blood loss.
Question 5: A puncture wound from a nail has a small entry point but may be deep. What is the primary concern with this type of wound?
- Excessive surface bleeding
- Risk of infection and tetanus due to depth (Correct answer)
- Immediate arterial damage
- Burns around the wound edges
Correct answer: Risk of infection and tetanus due to depth
Puncture wounds carry a high risk of deep infection and tetanus because the narrow opening traps debris and limits oxygen, creating ideal conditions for anaerobic bacteria.
Question 6: What is the correct position for a conscious shock victim with no suspected spinal injury?
- Seated upright with legs dangling
- Flat on back with legs elevated 8–12 inches (Correct answer)
- Recovery position on their side
- Standing to encourage circulation
Correct answer: Flat on back with legs elevated 8–12 inches
Elevating the legs 8–12 inches in a supine victim helps return blood to vital organs, improving perfusion during shock.
Question 7: An abrasion (road rash) is best first treated by:
- Applying a tight pressure bandage immediately
- Gently cleaning with water to remove dirt and debris (Correct answer)
- Covering without cleaning to avoid pain
- Applying hydrogen peroxide directly and leaving open to air
Correct answer: Gently cleaning with water to remove dirt and debris
Gently cleaning an abrasion with clean water removes debris and reduces infection risk before covering with a sterile dressing.
First Aid Bleeding, Wounds, and Shock 2
A victim has a deep laceration on their forearm with bright red blood spurting in pulses.
What type of bleeding is this?