SHS Treatment Protocols & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying a tourniquet for severe limb hemorrhage, what is the correct placement position?
- Directly over the wound
- 2–3 inches proximal to the wound (Correct answer)
- At the joint nearest the wound
- Over clothing whenever possible
Correct answer: 2–3 inches proximal to the wound
Tourniquets should be placed 2–3 inches proximal (above) the wound to effectively occlude arterial blood flow.
Question 2: Which burn classification is characterized by dry, leathery skin with no pain sensation at the burn site?
- Superficial (first-degree) burn
- Partial-thickness (second-degree) burn
- Full-thickness (third-degree) burn (Correct answer)
- Chemical burn
Correct answer: Full-thickness (third-degree) burn
Full-thickness (third-degree) burns destroy all skin layers and nerve endings, resulting in dry, leathery skin and absence of pain.
Question 3: A worker is found unresponsive and not breathing after a chemical exposure. After calling 911, what is the immediate next action?
- Administer activated charcoal
- Begin CPR with 30 chest compressions (Correct answer)
- Apply supplemental oxygen via non-rebreather mask
- Check blood pressure
Correct answer: Begin CPR with 30 chest compressions
For an unresponsive, non-breathing victim, immediately begin CPR starting with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Question 4: What is the recommended eye irrigation duration following exposure to a corrosive chemical?
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
- 15–20 minutes
- At least 30 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: At least 30 minutes
OSHA and ANSI recommend flushing eyes with water for at least 15–20 minutes, though many protocols call for 30 minutes for strong corrosives.
Question 5: Which splinting principle is essential to prevent further injury when immobilizing a suspected fracture?
- Realign bones to anatomical position before splinting
- Splint the joint above and below the fracture site (Correct answer)
- Remove all jewelry only after splinting
- Apply a tight circumferential bandage at the fracture point
Correct answer: Splint the joint above and below the fracture site
Effective splinting immobilizes the joint above and below the fracture to prevent movement and secondary injury.
Question 6: A patient presents with pale, cool, clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, and altered mental status after a crush injury. These signs indicate:
- Anaphylactic shock
- Neurogenic shock
- Hypovolemic shock (Correct answer)
- Septic shock
Correct answer: Hypovolemic shock
Pale, cool, clammy skin with rapid weak pulse and altered mentation after traumatic injury are classic signs of hypovolemic (hemorrhagic) shock.
Question 7: When using an AED on a wet victim who is lying on a wet surface, what must be done first?
- Apply pads and deliver shock immediately
- Move the victim to a dry surface and dry the chest (Correct answer)
- Use the AED only on the dry areas of the body
- Defibrillate through wet clothing
Correct answer: Move the victim to a dry surface and dry the chest
The victim must be moved to a dry surface and the chest must be dried before AED pad placement to ensure safe and effective defibrillation.
SHS Treatment Protocols & Procedures 2
When applying a tourniquet for severe limb hemorrhage, what is the correct placement position?