Basic Life Signs
Name the five main vital signs commonly monitored by healthcare providers.
Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pain.
What does the systolic number in a blood pressure reading represent?
Systolic = pressure when the ventricles contract.
What is the first priority when caring for most wounds?
Controlling bleeding.
What is the proper initial treatment for a chemical burn?
Rinse the chemical with large amounts of water (remove contaminated clothing).
What is the first step in providing first aid when you arrive at an emergency?
Remain calm and evaluate the situation (ensure scene safety).
Give the normal adult oral temperature range in degrees Fahrenheit.
Normal oral temp ~ 97.6–99.6°F (commonly accepted as around 98.6°F).
What is the proper pulse rate range considered normal for most adults (beats per minute)?
Typical adult resting pulse often cited ~ 60–100 bpm (recognize individual variation).
Which type of bleeding is bright red and often spurting from a wound?
Arterial bleeding.
Which sign distinguishes heat stroke from heat exhaustion (skin characteristic)?
Hot, dry, red skin (lack of sweating) indicates heat stroke
What is a sign that a situation is life-threatening (choose one clear example)?
Severe bleeding is a sign of life-threatening emergency.
What is the normal adult respiratory rate range (breaths per minute)?
Adults: 12–20 breaths per minute.
Describe the correct compression rate for adult CPR (compressions per minute).
100–120 compressions per minute.
How long should you apply direct pressure before reassessing if bleeding continues (recommended duration)?
Apply direct pressure for 5–10 minutes before reassessing
How should you treat a minor heat cramp?
Give small sips of water or sports drink and rest; remove from heat.
Describe the recommended body position for most shock victims.
Lay flat on back with feet elevated about 12 inches (unless contraindicated).
Define bradycardia and give the numeric threshold used for adults.
Bradycardia = heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
How quickly should chest compressions begin after recognizing cardiac arrest?
Begin compressions within 10 seconds of recognizing cardiac arrest.
If blood soaks through a pressure dressing, what is the correct immediate action?
Add a second dressing over the first and continue pressure; do not remove initial dressing.
What is the correct first aid for a snake bite from the options: apply tourniquet, cut the wound, wash & immobilize, or apply ice?
Wash and immobilize the wound; do not cut or apply a tourniquet.
For an unconscious person with suspected choking, what immediate action should you take?
Call for help and begin CPR if victim is not breathing; for suspected airway obstruction follow protocols (airway check, start CPR if unconscious and not breathing).
Explain why pain is considered a vital sign and how it is typically measured.
Pain is subjective but indicates patient status and response to treatment; commonly measured with a 0–10 numeric pain scale.
List at least three typical signs of a heart attack in women.
Women may present with unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, nausea, jaw or back pain, rather than classic severe chest pain.
What is the main long-term infection risk associated with puncture wounds and why is it important?
Risk of tetanus — puncture wounds can introduce bacteria deep into tissue; consider tetanus vaccination status
Name three signs that indicate severe frostbite.
Pale, glossy or waxy skin; numbness; hard, frozen-looking tissue; sometimes blisters or black discoloration
If clear fluid drains from a person’s ear after a head injury, what should you do?
Allow the fluid to drain freely and seek immediate medical evaluation (do not block or apply pressure).