OFA Wound Care & Bleeding Control 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the danger of using a rubber band or thin cord as a makeshift tourniquet?
- It is too wide to be effective
- It may cut into tissue and damage nerves and blood vessels without stopping deep arterial bleeding (Correct answer)
- It will loosen too quickly in field conditions
- It cannot be secured tightly enough on large limbs
Correct answer: It may cut into tissue and damage nerves and blood vessels without stopping deep arterial bleeding
Thin improvised tourniquets concentrate pressure on a small area, cutting into skin and nerves while failing to compress deep arteries adequately.
Question 2: A wound is described as having jagged, irregular edges with tissue damage around it. What type of wound is this?
- Incision
- Laceration (Correct answer)
- Puncture
- Abrasion
Correct answer: Laceration
A laceration has irregular, torn edges caused by blunt or tearing force, in contrast to the clean edges of a surgical incision.
Question 3: What is the correct way to remove a ring from an injured finger that is beginning to swell?
- Cut the ring with scissors immediately
- Attempt removal before significant swelling occurs; if not possible, cut the ring and refer to medical care (Correct answer)
- Leave the ring in place and apply ice only
- Pull the ring forcefully while the victim distracts themselves
Correct answer: Attempt removal before significant swelling occurs; if not possible, cut the ring and refer to medical care
Early removal before major swelling is preferable; if impossible, the ring must be cut to prevent a tourniquet effect that can compromise circulation.
Question 4: Which of the following is a sign of wound infection developing after initial first aid was given?
- The wound edges appear pale and dry
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, and pus at the wound site 24–72 hours later (Correct answer)
- Mild itching during the normal healing phase after 5–7 days
- A thin clear fluid (serum) weeping from the wound on day one
Correct answer: Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, and pus at the wound site 24–72 hours later
Signs of infection — redness, warmth, swelling, pus, and fever — typically develop 24–72 hours after injury and require medical evaluation.
Question 5: When using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while managing a bleeding wound, which item is the MOST critical barrier against bloodborne pathogen exposure?
- Safety glasses only
- Disposable nitrile or latex gloves (Correct answer)
- A surgical mask
- A gown or apron
Correct answer: Disposable nitrile or latex gloves
Gloves provide the primary barrier between the first aider's skin and the victim's blood, protecting against bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B.
Question 6: A pressure bandage is used after applying a dressing to a wound. What is the primary function of the pressure bandage?
- To clean the wound surface
- To hold the dressing securely in place and maintain continuous pressure to control bleeding (Correct answer)
- To immobilize a fractured bone
- To reduce bruising by cooling the area
Correct answer: To hold the dressing securely in place and maintain continuous pressure to control bleeding
A pressure bandage secures the dressing and maintains sustained pressure on the wound to promote clotting and control hemorrhage.
Question 7: Which of the following wounds should always be referred to a physician for evaluation rather than managed by the first aider alone?
- A superficial 1 cm abrasion on the forearm
- A deep wound that may require sutures, is heavily contaminated, or involves the face, hands, or joints (Correct answer)
- A minor paper cut that stopped bleeding with light pressure
- A small blister from a friction injury
Correct answer: A deep wound that may require sutures, is heavily contaminated, or involves the face, hands, or joints
Deep lacerations, heavily contaminated wounds, or injuries involving critical areas (face, hands, joints) require medical assessment for suturing, infection prevention, and functional preservation.
OFA Wound Care & Bleeding Control 5
What is the danger of using a rubber band or thin cord as a makeshift tourniquet?