Basic Life Support (BLS) Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary action to take when someone is unresponsive and not breathing?

Start CPR (correct)

Raise their legs above heart level

Check for a pulse

Call for help immediately

How deep should chest compressions be during CPR?

5-6 cm (correct)

1-2 cm

8-10 cm

3-4 cm

What is the compression-to-breath ratio during CPR?

30:2 (correct)

20:4

10:1

15:2

When should you stop performing CPR?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if there is an embedded object in a wound?

Apply direct pressure around the object Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an AED?

To recognize the heart's electrical impulse and deliver a shock Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action should be taken to control bleeding?

Apply clean pressure to the bleeding site Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of cardiac arrest?

Absent or abnormal breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a tourniquet in medical emergencies?

To control extreme life-threatening bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a tourniquet is applied incorrectly?

Leave it on until medical help arrives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a suitable pressure point for controlling bleeding?

Supraclavicular area Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of homeostatic agents in wound care?

They promote blood clotting to control bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of wound healing is characterized by no wound strength?

Phase 1: Lag Phase Signup and view all the answers

When is it appropriate to suture a laceration?

If the wound is opened for less than 12 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during the patient preparation phase before a procedure?

Ensuring informed consent has been obtained Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication associated with sutured wounds?

Infection Signup and view all the answers

What type of suture is recommended for better cosmetic results on the face?

Subcuticular suture Signup and view all the answers

During wound packing, which action is important?

Push packing material into the wound using fingertips Signup and view all the answers

Which condition should be carefully monitored when applying a tourniquet?

Peripheral vascular disease Signup and view all the answers

What type of agent is tranexamic acid?

A homeostatic agent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about wound inspection is true?

It helps in identifying foreign materials that may delay healing Signup and view all the answers

What can result from allowing a tourniquet to remain in place for too long?

Nerve and muscle damage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Refers to care given initially by first responders during cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
Immediate, fundamental action. Early BLS can restart a heart. Delays are fatal.
Cardiac arrest:
- Unresponsive, absent or abnormal breathing (labored breathing, agonal breathing).
- Seizure-like movements at initial stage.
- Heart stops beating; blood circulation stops.
BLS Steps:
- Check for a response.
- Check for abnormal or absent breathing.
- Call emergency services.
- Start CPR and rescue breaths.
- After AED arrives, switch to AED use.
AED:
- Detects abnormal heart rhythms.
- Delivers electrical shocks if needed.
- Clear instructions.
CPR:
- Main priority: Chest compressions (lower half of sternum, 5-6 cm deep, 100-120/min) allowing full recoil of the chest.
- 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio.
- Continue until help arrives or becomes exhausted.

Bleeding

Direct pressure is the initial response to control bleeding.
Apply direct pressure to the bleeding site with clean cloth, tissue, or gauze.
Maintain pressure until bleeding stops or help arrives.
For wounds on arms or legs, elevate the limb above the heart.
Deep wounds, large blood vessels, neck, or torso injuries may need special consideration.
Avoid removing embedded objects. Instead, apply pressure around the object.

Embedded Objects

Do not remove objects.
Apply pressure around the object (above and below).

Amputations and Trauma

Do not use tourniquets in crush injuries or amputations.
Tourniquets are for life-threatening bleeding.
- Wrap the tourniquet above the wound and constrict blood flow.
- Keep the bleeding site and heart a few inches apart.
- Do not remove the tourniquet until medical help arrives.
- Note potential complications.

Wound Packing

Wash hands. Remove bandages.
Clean the wound with saline and sterile gauze or padding.
Push packing material into wound areas.
Cover and secure the wound.

Homeostatic Agents

Substances that promote blood clotting and control bleeding.
Topical hemostatic agents are applied directly to the bleeding.
Systemic hemostatic agents are taken orally or injected to promote blood clotting systemically.
- Example: Desmopressin, Factor concentrates, Tranexamic acid.

Wound Healing and Sutures

Wound healing phases: Lag, Fibroplasia, and Maturation.
Equipment for wound closure includes staplers, sutures, and instruments for wound preparation.
Patient preparation: Informed consent, assessment of the wound.
Debridement removes dead tissue.
Principles for wound closure: Minimizing tension, closing with minimal trauma, eliminating dead space.
Sutures include Simple interrupted, Simple running, Deep to inverted knot, Vertical mattress, Horizontal, and Subcuticular.
Wound healing complications include infection, pain, and bleeding.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Basic Life Support (BLS) procedures, focusing on the critical steps during cardiac arrest and respiratory distress. Understand the significance of early BLS actions, CPR techniques, and the use of AEDs. This quiz aims to reinforce life-saving skills that can make a difference in emergencies.