OFA Wound Care & Bleeding Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying a tourniquet on a limb, how far above the wound should it be placed?
- Directly over the wound
- 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) above the wound (Correct answer)
- At least 6 inches above the wound
- As close to the joint as possible
Correct answer: 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) above the wound
A tourniquet should be applied 2–3 inches above the wound to effectively stop arterial blood flow without unnecessary tissue damage.
Question 2: What is the correct action after a tourniquet has been applied to control severe limb bleeding?
- Remove it every 10 minutes to restore circulation
- Note the time of application and leave it in place until EMS arrives (Correct answer)
- Loosen it once bleeding slows
- Cover it so EMS personnel are not distracted
Correct answer: Note the time of application and leave it in place until EMS arrives
Once applied, a tourniquet should not be removed in the field; document the exact time of application so medical personnel can manage ischemia risk.
Question 3: Which type of wound carries the highest risk of tetanus infection?
- A clean surgical incision
- A superficial paper cut
- A deep puncture wound contaminated with soil (Correct answer)
- A minor abrasion on the forearm
Correct answer: A deep puncture wound contaminated with soil
Deep puncture wounds contaminated with dirt or soil create anaerobic conditions ideal for Clostridium tetani, the bacteria that causes tetanus.
Question 4: An impaled object is found in a worker's thigh. What is the correct first-aid action?
- Remove the object immediately to stop bleeding
- Shorten the object if it is longer than 6 inches
- Stabilize the object in place with bulky dressings and do not remove it (Correct answer)
- Apply a tourniquet above the impaled object
Correct answer: Stabilize the object in place with bulky dressings and do not remove it
Impaled objects should never be removed in the field; stabilizing them prevents further injury and helps control bleeding.
Question 5: What does 'capillary bleeding' typically look like?
- Bright red blood spurting in pulses
- Dark red blood flowing steadily
- Slow oozing of red blood from the wound surface (Correct answer)
- No visible bleeding despite pain
Correct answer: Slow oozing of red blood from the wound surface
Capillary bleeding is characterized by slow oozing from the smallest blood vessels and is the easiest type to control with direct pressure.
Question 6: Which wound closure method is NOT appropriate for a first aider to perform in the occupational setting?
- Applying sterile adhesive strips (Steri-Strips)
- Covering with a sterile gauze dressing
- Suturing (stitching) the wound closed (Correct answer)
- Securing a bandage over a dressing
Correct answer: Suturing (stitching) the wound closed
Suturing is a medical procedure performed by licensed healthcare providers and is outside the scope of first-aid practice.
Question 7: A worker has a large scalp laceration that is bleeding heavily. What characteristic of scalp wounds should the first aider keep in mind?
- Scalp wounds rarely bleed significantly
- The scalp has a rich blood supply and can bleed profusely even from minor cuts (Correct answer)
- Scalp bleeding always indicates a skull fracture
- Direct pressure should never be applied to the scalp
Correct answer: The scalp has a rich blood supply and can bleed profusely even from minor cuts
The scalp has an exceptionally dense vascular network, so even small lacerations can produce dramatic blood loss that looks worse than it is.
OFA Wound Care & Bleeding Control 2
When applying a tourniquet on a limb, how far above the wound should it be placed?