First Aid Sudden Illness and Allergies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person suddenly collapses and is unresponsive but breathing normally. What is the most appropriate position to place them in?
- Flat on their back with legs elevated
- Recovery position on their side (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright with knees bent
- Face down with head turned to the side
Correct answer: Recovery position on their side
The recovery position keeps the airway open and allows fluids to drain, preventing choking in an unresponsive but breathing person.
Question 2: Which symptom is MOST characteristic of a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) emergency?
- Slow, deep breathing and flushed skin
- Sudden confusion, shakiness, and sweating (Correct answer)
- Severe headache and stiff neck
- Gradual onset of chest pain radiating to the arm
Correct answer: Sudden confusion, shakiness, and sweating
Hypoglycemia typically causes rapid onset of confusion, shakiness, sweating, and weakness due to insufficient glucose reaching the brain.
Question 3: A person with a known bee allergy is stung and says they feel fine but you notice hives spreading on their arm. What should you do?
- Wait and observe since they feel fine
- Give them an antihistamine and send them home
- Call 911 immediately and monitor for worsening symptoms (Correct answer)
- Apply a cold pack and advise them to see a doctor tomorrow
Correct answer: Call 911 immediately and monitor for worsening symptoms
Hives after a sting in a known allergic person signals early anaphylaxis; call 911 immediately because symptoms can escalate rapidly.
Question 4: When helping someone who is having a seizure, which action is CORRECT?
- Hold the person down firmly to prevent injury
- Place something between their teeth to prevent biting
- Clear the area of hard objects and time the seizure (Correct answer)
- Give them water to drink as soon as shaking begins
Correct answer: Clear the area of hard objects and time the seizure
Clear the surrounding area of hazards and time the seizure duration; do not restrain the person or place anything in their mouth.
Question 5: A diabetic person is confused and cannot swallow safely. Which action is appropriate for low blood sugar care?
- Give them orange juice to drink
- Rub glucose gel on the inside of their cheek (Correct answer)
- Have them eat a candy bar immediately
- Administer insulin to balance their sugar
Correct answer: Rub glucose gel on the inside of their cheek
Glucose gel rubbed inside the cheek can be absorbed without swallowing, making it safe for a person who cannot swallow.
Question 6: Which of the following is a sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke?
- Sudden severe itching all over the body
- Drooping on one side of the face (Correct answer)
- Rapid heart rate with chest tightness
- Swollen lips and difficulty breathing
Correct answer: Drooping on one side of the face
Facial drooping on one side is a hallmark stroke sign, remembered using the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time).
Question 7: A person experiencing an asthma attack cannot find their inhaler. What should you do first?
- Have them breathe into a paper bag
- Call 911 and keep them calm in a comfortable position (Correct answer)
- Give them antihistamines from a first aid kit
- Lay them flat on their back to help breathing
Correct answer: Call 911 and keep them calm in a comfortable position
Without an inhaler, call 911 immediately and help the person stay calm and upright, as panic and lying down can worsen breathing.
First Aid Sudden Illness and Allergies 2
A person suddenly collapses and is unresponsive but breathing normally.
What is the most appropriate position to place them in?