first aid, safety, and emergency nursing fundamentals

What is the first priority before approaching a patient?

Ensure the scene is safe for both the responder and the patient.

What should you do if the scene is unsafe?

Do not intervene until hazards are controlled.

When should first aid care begin?

Only after personal and patient safety are confirmed.

What should you do before helping a conscious patient?

Ask for permission (obtain consent).

When multiple victims are present, how is care prioritized?

Use triage based on severity of injuries.

Why are legs elevated in shock?

To improve blood flow back to the heart.

When is the flat supine position used?

To help support stability depending on the patient's condition.

Why is the side-lying position used?

To protect the airway if the patient is vomiting.

How should the head and neck be positioned if a spinal injury is suspected?

Maintain neutral alignment.

What are early signs of shock?

Pale, cool skin and confusion.

How does the pulse change in shock?

It becomes weak and rapid.

What symptoms may indicate shock?

Dizziness or feeling faint.

Why is shock considered an emergency?

It indicates poor tissue perfusion requiring urgent action.

What is the first step in controlling bleeding?

Apply firm direct pressure.

What should be used to compress a bleeding wound?

Clean materials.

What should be done after bleeding is controlled?

Apply a dressing or bandage.

What should always be checked after bandaging an extremity?

Ensure circulation is not compromised.

Why should fingers or toes remain visible after wrapping an extremity?

To monitor circulation.

How should a fresh burn be cooled?

With cool running water (not ice).

What should never be applied to a fresh burn?

Ointments, butter, or thick coverings.

How should frostbite be treated?

Rewarm slowly in warm water.

What should never be done to frostbitten tissue?

Do not rub it or apply direct heat.

How should heat-related illness be treated?

Rapid cooling and urgent medical attention.

What is the treatment for choking in adults?

Abdominal thrusts.

What is the primary treatment for choking in infants?

Back blows.

What maneuver is used for choking in pregnant or obese individuals?

Chest thrusts.

When should a finger sweep be performed?

Only if the object is clearly visible.

How should you assess for airway obstruction?

Ask the patient if they are choking.

What is the first treatment for chemical exposure to the eye?

Immediately flush with clean water.

Should contact lenses delay eye irrigation?

No.

What should a person avoid doing if there is a foreign object in the eye?

Do not rub the eye.

When should medical evaluation be sought after an eye injury?

If irritation persists.

What is the correct CPR compression rate for adults?

100–120 compressions per minute.

How deep should adult CPR compressions be?

About 2 inches.

Where should hands be placed during adult CPR?

On the lower half of the sternum.

Where is the preferred pulse check site for adults?

The carotid artery.

What must happen before an AED analyzes heart rhythm?

Everyone must clear the patient.

When should chest compressions stop?

Only when professional help takes over or signs of life return.

Who should be contacted immediately for poisoning guidance?

Poison Control.

Should vomiting be induced after poisoning?

No, unless specifically instructed.

How should inhaled toxins be treated?

Move the person to fresh air.

How should poison on the skin be treated?

Wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Should treatment wait until poisoning symptoms appear?

No.

How should a suspected fracture be managed?

Immobilize it in the position found.

Should fractured bones be realigned?

No.

What should be done to support an injured extremity?

Pad and support it.

When should a person with a fracture be moved?

Only if necessary for safety.

When is hand hygiene required?

Before and after every patient contact.

When should gloves be worn?

Whenever contact with blood or body fluids is possible.

When are masks, gowns, and eye protection used?

Based on exposure risk.

Do standard precautions apply to all patients?

Yes, regardless of diagnosis.

What precautions are required for HIV?

Standard precautions only.

What hand hygiene method is required for C. difficile?

Soap and water.

Why is smoking prohibited around oxygen?

Oxygen greatly increases fire risk.

What products should be avoided near oxygen?

Petroleum-based products.

What should be displayed where oxygen is in use?

Warning signs.

Why is oxygen considered a fire hazard?

It accelerates combustion.

Where should the call bell be kept for patients at risk of falls?

Within easy reach.

How do sedatives affect fall risk?

They increase the risk of falls.

What is orthostatic hypotension?

A major risk factor for falls due to blood pressure dropping when standing.

What bed safety measures help prevent falls?

Keep the bed low and wheels locked.

Should you try to catch a falling patient?

No; guide them safely to the floor.

Do restraints require a provider's order?

Yes.

What should be monitored while restraints are in use?

Circulation.

What do cool or discolored extremities indicate in a restrained patient?

Impaired circulation requiring immediate action.

How often should restrained patients be monitored?

Frequently.

What do Good Samaritan laws protect?

People providing reasonable emergency care within their skill level.

Why is consent important before providing care?

It is required for conscious patients.

Why is patient identification essential?

To prevent medication and treatment errors.

Are patient safety measures optional?

No, they are a standard part of clinical practice.