PCA Emergency Response & First Aid 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client who is a diabetic appears confused, shaky, and sweaty. Which emergency condition should the PCA suspect?
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (Correct answer)
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- A stroke
- A seizure disorder
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Shakiness, confusion, and sweating are classic signs of hypoglycemia, which requires prompt intervention with a fast-acting sugar source.
Question 2: If an alert client with diabetes is showing signs of low blood sugar, what is an appropriate first-aid response within PCA scope?
- Offer 4 oz of juice or a glucose tablet if the client can swallow safely (Correct answer)
- Administer insulin to stabilize their blood sugar
- Have the client lie down and wait for symptoms to pass
- Apply a warm compress to the arm and monitor vitals
Correct answer: Offer 4 oz of juice or a glucose tablet if the client can swallow safely
Fast-acting carbohydrates like juice or glucose tablets quickly raise blood sugar in a conscious, able-to-swallow client.
Question 3: A client begins having a seizure. Which action is CORRECT during the seizure?
- Clear the area of hard objects and time the seizure duration (Correct answer)
- Hold the client down firmly to prevent injury from movements
- Put a spoon or cloth in the client's mouth to prevent tongue biting
- Attempt to give the client water or medication orally
Correct answer: Clear the area of hard objects and time the seizure duration
Clearing the area and timing the seizure ensures safety and provides important information for medical personnel.
Question 4: After a client's seizure ends, what position should the PCA place the client in if they are unconscious but breathing?
- Recovery position (on their side) (Correct answer)
- Supine position (flat on their back)
- Semi-Fowler position (head elevated 30–45°)
- Prone position (face down)
Correct answer: Recovery position (on their side)
The recovery (lateral) position prevents aspiration of saliva or vomit in an unconscious but breathing person.
Question 5: A client spills hot liquid on their arm. What is the correct immediate first-aid step?
- Cool the burn with cool (not ice cold) running water for 10–20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply butter or oil to the burned area to soothe it
- Pop any blisters that form to reduce pressure
- Wrap the burn tightly with a dry bandage right away
Correct answer: Cool the burn with cool (not ice cold) running water for 10–20 minutes
Cool running water disperses heat from the tissue and reduces pain and injury severity; ice and greasy substances worsen burns.
Question 6: Which symptom is a warning sign of a stroke that a PCA should recognize and report immediately?
- Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech on one side (Correct answer)
- Mild headache that resolves after resting
- Gradual onset of fatigue over several hours
- Low-grade fever with a mild cough
Correct answer: Sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech on one side
FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) signs indicate a stroke; immediate emergency care is critical to limit brain damage.
Question 7: A client falls and strikes their head. They seem fine at first, but 30 minutes later become increasingly drowsy and confused. What should the PCA do?
- Call 911 immediately — this may indicate a serious brain injury (Correct answer)
- Encourage the client to sleep it off and monitor in the morning
- Give the client acetaminophen and check back in an hour
- Help the client do light exercises to keep them alert
Correct answer: Call 911 immediately — this may indicate a serious brain injury
Worsening drowsiness and confusion after a head injury are signs of a possible intracranial bleed requiring emergency evaluation.
PCA Emergency Response & First Aid 2
A client who is a diabetic appears confused, shaky, and sweaty.
Which emergency condition should the PCA suspect?