NSC First Aid and CPR 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should a rescuer do if they are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths during CPR?
- Stop and wait for EMS
- Perform hands-only (compression-only) CPR (Correct answer)
- Give breaths only without compressions
- Perform CPR at half the normal rate
Correct answer: Perform hands-only (compression-only) CPR
Hands-only CPR (continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths) is effective and recommended when a rescuer cannot or will not give breaths.
Question 2: A victim has a suspected spinal injury. How should you open the airway?
- Head-tilt chin-lift method
- Jaw thrust maneuver without head movement (Correct answer)
- Turn their head to the side
- Tilt the head back as far as possible
Correct answer: Jaw thrust maneuver without head movement
The jaw thrust maneuver opens the airway while minimizing spinal movement, making it the preferred method when spinal injury is suspected.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of AED pads needed, and where are they placed on an adult?
- One pad on the center of the chest
- Two pads — one on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side (Correct answer)
- Two pads — both on the left side of the chest
- Three pads in a triangular pattern
Correct answer: Two pads — one on the upper right chest and one on the lower left side
Two AED pads are placed in specific positions to deliver an electrical shock across the heart — one below the right collarbone and one below the left armpit.
Question 4: A child begins seizing. After the seizure ends, what is the most important first aid action?
- Restrain the child to prevent movement
- Place the child in the recovery position and monitor breathing (Correct answer)
- Insert something in the child's mouth
- Give the child water immediately
Correct answer: Place the child in the recovery position and monitor breathing
After a seizure, placing the child on their side in the recovery position protects the airway and allows monitoring until full recovery.
Question 5: What is the correct treatment for a minor (superficial) burn?
- Apply butter or oil to soothe the skin
- Break blisters and apply antibiotic ointment
- Cool the burn with cool (not ice cold) running water for 10–20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Cover tightly with an adhesive bandage
Correct answer: Cool the burn with cool (not ice cold) running water for 10–20 minutes
Cool running water reduces heat in the tissue, relieves pain, and limits damage; ice, butter, or oil should never be applied to burns.
Question 6: When applying a tourniquet for severe limb bleeding, where should it be placed?
- Directly over the wound
- 2–3 inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart (Correct answer)
- Below the wound
- Over a joint for stability
Correct answer: 2–3 inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart
A tourniquet must be placed 2–3 inches above the wound toward the heart (proximal) to cut off blood flow to the injury site.
Question 7: Which symptom is most characteristic of heat stroke, as opposed to heat exhaustion?
- Heavy sweating
- Pale, moist skin
- Hot, red, dry or minimally moist skin with altered mental status (Correct answer)
- Muscle cramps and weakness
Correct answer: Hot, red, dry or minimally moist skin with altered mental status
Heat stroke is distinguished by hot, flushed skin and confusion or loss of consciousness, indicating the body's cooling system has failed — it is a life-threatening emergency.
NSC First Aid and CPR 5
What should a rescuer do if they are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths during CPR?