NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification First Aid and Casualty Care Questions and Answers

Question 1

A swimmer exits the water and complains of difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tightness in their chest. They use their prescribed inhaler, but their symptoms do not improve. What is the most appropriate next step for the lifeguard to take?

Accepted Answer

Call for an ambulance as this could be a severe asthma attack.

Answer

If a casualty's condition does not improve after using their inhaler, or if they do not have their inhaler, it should be treated as a medical emergency. A severe asthma attack requires urgent medical attention, and therefore, an ambulance must be called.

Question 2

A casualty has a severe bleeding wound on their forearm. You have applied direct pressure with a sterile dressing, but the blood is soaking through. What should you do next?

Accepted Answer

Apply a second dressing on top of the first and maintain pressure.

Answer

If blood soaks through the first dressing, do not remove it as this will dislodge any clot that has started to form. Instead, apply a second dressing on top of the first and continue to apply firm pressure to control the bleeding.

Question 3

Which of the following is the primary first aid treatment for a casualty who is showing signs of shock, such as pale, cold, clammy skin and a rapid, weak pulse?

Accepted Answer

Lay them down, and if possible, elevate their legs.

Answer

The correct first aid for a casualty in shock is to lay them down to improve blood flow to vital organs. Elevating their legs can further assist this process, provided there are no leg or spinal injuries. Giving food or drink is not advised, and moving them is inappropriate.

Question 4

You are treating a casualty who has sustained a minor cut to their foot on the poolside. After cleaning the wound and applying a plaster, what is the most important piece of aftercare advice to give them?

Accepted Answer

To check the wound regularly for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling.

Answer

While keeping a wound clean and dry is important, the most critical advice is to monitor for signs of infection. Redness, increased pain, swelling, or pus are indicators that medical advice should be sought.

Question 5

A person in the water is having a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure. What is the lifeguard's immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Support the casualty's head to keep their face and airway clear of the water.

Answer

During a seizure in the water, the immediate priority is to protect the casualty's airway. The lifeguard must support the person's head to keep their face out of the water, allowing them to breathe. Removal from the water should happen once the active seizure has subsided, and nothing should ever be placed in the casualty's mouth.

(NPLQ) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Practice Test

(NPLQ) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification Practice Test

NPLQ - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification First Aid and Casualty Care Questions and Answers