Emergency Response & First Aid Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Emergency Response & First Aid flashcards as text
A client who is a diabetic appears confused, shaky, and sweaty. Which emergency condition should the PCA suspect?
Answer: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Shakiness, confusion, and sweating are classic signs of hypoglycemia, which requires prompt intervention with a fast-acting sugar source.
If an alert client with diabetes is showing signs of low blood sugar, what is an appropriate first-aid response within PCA scope?
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.
A client begins having a seizure. Which action is CORRECT during the seizure?
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.
After a client's seizure ends, what position should the PCA place the client in if they are unconscious but breathing?
Answer: Recovery position (on their side)
The recovery (lateral) position prevents aspiration of saliva or vomit in an unconscious but breathing person.
A client spills hot liquid on their arm. What is the correct immediate first-aid step?
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.
Which symptom is a warning sign of a stroke that a PCA should recognize and report immediately?
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.
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?
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.