Emergencies

Question 1

What is the first step in responding to any emergency?

Answer 1

Stay calm and assess the situation.

Your calm attitude will help keep the resident calm. Take a deep breath, quickly look around, and then call for help.

Question 2

What should be reported about a medical emergency?

Answer 2

1. Time of onset
2. Symptoms
3. Actions taken

Accurate documentation helps guide further care.

Question 3

What is the role of a nurse aide in an emergency?

Answer 3

• Provide immediate care
• Alert medical staff

You are a valuable part of the nursing team. Your immediate care might be starting CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) or applying pressure to a bleeding wound while you wait for the nurse to arrive.

Question 4

Define:

Triage

Answer 4

The process of prioritizing treatment based on injury severity.

Ensures critical patients receive care first.

Question 5

Which acronym helps guide actions in a fire emergency?

Answer 5

RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish

These actions help staff to respond quickly and effectively.

• Rescue the resident in immediate danger first.
• Alarm means pulling the fire alarm or Alerting 9-1-1.
• Contain means closing the door.
• Extinguish means using the fire extinguisher if the fire is small.

Question 6

How should you check if a door is safe to open during a fire?

Answer 6

Touch it with the back of your hand.

A hot door indicates fire on the other side.

Question 7

List THREE things that can start a fire in a healthcare setting.

Answer 7

1. Smoking
2. Faulty electrical wiring
3. Oxygen use

Fire prevention measures help reduce risks.

Oxygen tanks should be stored in well-ventilated areas to prevent build-up of flammable gases.

Question 8

Fill in the blanks:

If clothing catches fire, remember to _____, _____, and _____.

Answer 8

stop; drop; roll

Remember to stop, drop, and roll.

CNA Insight: If a resident’s clothing catches fire, immediately smother the flames with a blanket or rug. Never let them run, as this feeds the fire with air.

Question 9

True or False:

You should use water to put out a grease fire.

Answer 9

False

Water spreads grease fires; use baking soda or a fire extinguisher.

Question 10

Define:

An Electrical Fire

Answer 10

A fire caused by faulty wiring or malfunctioning electrical devices.

Requires a Class C fire extinguisher.

Question 11

What does PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?

Answer 11

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

CNA Insight: Pull the pin. Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep from side to side. Remember to aim low! This technique ensures proper fire extinguisher use.

Question 12

How should a patient be evacuated during a fire?

Answer 12

Move them in a wheelchair, bed, or blanket drag if necessary.

Prioritize safety based on mobility levels. If you cannot get a resident into a wheelchair or bed, use the blanket drag method to pull them to safety. Always protect their head.

Question 13

What is the safest way to exit a smoke-filled room?

Answer 13

Crawl low to the ground

Smoke rises, so air is clearer near the floor.

Question 14

True or False:

You should use elevators during an evacuation.

Answer 14

False

Elevators may become inoperable during an emergency.

Question 15

What should be done if a fire extinguisher runs out?

Answer 15

1. Evacuate immediately
2. Call for help

Do not attempt to fight large or uncontrollable fires.

Question 16

What should be done before using a fire extinguisher?

Answer 16

Ensure an exit is available behind you.

Prevents entrapment if the fire spreads.

Question 17

How should chemical burns be treated?

Answer 17

Flush with cool running water for at least 15 minutes.

This helps remove harmful substances.

Question 18

Which degree of burn is characterized by red, painful skin without blisters?

Answer 18

First-degree burn

These burns affect only the outer layer of skin.

Question 19

How should a major burn be treated?

Answer 19

1. Cover with a clean cloth
2. Seek medical attention

Do not apply ointments or break blisters.

Question 20

What is the first action in an electrical shock emergency?

Answer 20

Turn off the power source

Touching a person in contact with electricity can cause further injury.

Question 21

How should a patient be positioned if they are vomiting?

Answer 21

On their side

The patient should be positioned on their side. This is the recovery position. It prevents the vomit from going into the lungs (aspiration), which can cause a serious infection.

Question 22

How should you help a conscious choking adult?

Answer 22

Perform abdominal thrusts

(Heimlich maneuver)

Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, and make a fist above their belly button. Give quick, upward thrusts until the object comes out.

Question 23

What is the universal sign for choking?

Answer 23

Clutching the throat

This helps bystanders recognize the emergency.

Question 24

Which technique should be used to open the airway?

Answer 24

Head tilt-chin lift method

Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to move the tongue away from the back of the throat, which opens the airway. Should not be used if there is suspicion of a head or spinal injury.

Question 25

When should you call 911 **for a seizure**?

Answer 25

1. Lasts longer than 5 minutes. 2. Is followed by another seizure. ## Footnote Seizures require medical attention. **CNA Insight**: During a seizure, your job is to protect the resident's head and time the seizure. Do not put anything in their mouth. If you are in a facility, you must notify the nurse immediately. If you are in a home care setting, you must call 911 first, and then notify the nurse once the emergency workers have arrived. Always stay with the resident until help takes over.

Question 26

List TWO signs of a **stroke**.

Answer 26

1. Facial drooping 2. Slurred speech ## Footnote A stroke is a brain attack. Time is brain. If you see these signs, call the nurse immediately and note the exact time the symptoms started.

Question 27

# Fill in the blanks: The “**FAST**” acronym for stroke **stands for** \_\_\_\_, \_\_\_\_, \_\_\_\_, and \_\_\_\_.

Answer 27

**F**ace; **A**rm; **S**peech; **T**ime ## Footnote **FAST** stands for Face, Arm, Speech, and Time. **CNA Insight**: Face (is one side drooping?), Arm (is one arm weak?), Speech (is their speech slurred?), Time (call 911 immediately and note the time).

Question 28

# True or False: A patient having a heart attack should be encouraged **to move around**.

Answer 28

False ## Footnote Resting reduces strain on the heart and prevents worsening.

Question 29

# Define: Myocardial Infarction

Answer 29

A heart attack caused by **blocked blood flow** to the heart. ## Footnote A myocardial infarction (heart attack) is caused by blocked blood flow to the heart. **CNA Insight**: The most common sign is chest pain, but women and older adults may only feel shortness of breath or fatigue. Report any new chest pain or discomfort immediately.

Question 30

What is the **priority** when treating **severe bleeding**?

Answer 30

Apply **direct pressure** to the wound. ## Footnote Direct pressure helps control blood loss and prevent shock. Use a gauze, clean cloth or your gloved hand and press down hard on the wound. Do not remove the gauze or cloth if it soaks through; just add more on top.

Question 31

How can you **prevent shock** in a bleeding patient?

Answer 31

1. Lay them flat. 2. Keep them warm. ## Footnote Shock reduces oxygen supply to vital organs.

Question 32

What should be done **after a fainting episode**?

Answer 32

1. Keep the person lying down. 2. Elevate their legs. ## Footnote Elevating the legs helps blood flow back to the brain. Do not let them get up too quickly, as they may faint again.

Question 33

What is the **purpose of an AED**? | (Automated External Defibrillator)

Answer 33

To **deliver an electric shock** to restart the heart. ## Footnote The purpose of an AED (**Automated External Defibrillator**) is to deliver an electric shock to restart the heart. **CNA Insight**: You must know where the AED is located in your facility. You will use it only if the person is not breathing and pulseless.

Question 34

List THREE signs of an **allergic reaction**.

Answer 34

1. Swelling 2. Difficulty breathing 3. Rash ## Footnote A severe allergic reaction (**anaphylaxis**) is a medical emergency. If the resident has trouble breathing, swelling, or develops a severe rash, call for help immediately.

Question 35

How can you assist someone with an **epinephrine auto-injector**?

Answer 35

1. Place it against the outer thigh. 2. Press firmly. ## Footnote Epinephrine counteracts severe allergic reactions. This device is also called an EpiPen. You will assist the nurse in giving the injection. Hold the leg still and ensure the needle goes into the outer thigh.

Question 36

# Fill in the blanks: If a person is in shock, **do not give them** \_\_\_\_ or \_\_\_\_.

Answer 36

food; drink ## Footnote They may need surgery, which requires an empty stomach.

Question 37

# True or False: You should **hold a person down** during a seizure.

Answer 37

False ## Footnote Restraining can cause injury; instead, move objects away.

Question 38

What is the first step when **treating a nosebleed**?

Answer 38

Have the person **lean forward** and pinch the nostrils. ## Footnote The first step is to have the person lean forward and pinch the nostrils. **CNA Insight**: Leaning forward prevents the blood from going down the throat, which can cause vomiting. Pinch the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.

Question 39

What is the **maximum duration** to check for a carotid pulse in an unresponsive adult patient?

Answer 39

**10** seconds ## Footnote Proceed with chest compressions if no pulse is detected.

Question 40

What is the standard **compression-to-ventilation ratio** for adult CPR?

Answer 40

30:2 ## Footnote The standard ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations (breaths). **CNA Insight**: You must push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Do not stop compressions for more than 10 seconds.

Question 41

At what **rate** should compressions be administered **for adults, children, and infants**?

Answer 41

**At least 100** compressions per minute. ## Footnote Compressions ensure effective circulation during CPR.

Question 42

Why should **emergency drills** be conducted regularly?

Answer 42

To **prepare staff and residents** for real emergencies. ## Footnote Practicing responses improves efficiency in crises.

Question 43

How should a caregiver respond to **an earthquake**?

Answer 43

**Take cover** under a sturdy object and **stay inside**. ## Footnote Respond to an earthquake by taking cover under a sturdy object and staying inside. **CNA Insight**: The safest place is under a strong table or desk. Stay away from windows and heavy objects that could fall.

Question 44

What should you do during a **hurricane warning**?

Answer 44

Move residents to an interior room **away from windows**. ## Footnote You should move residents to an interior room away from windows. Windows can break from strong winds. Move residents to a hallway or an inner room that has no windows.

Question 45

# True or False: Disaster preparedness includes having an **emergency supply kit**.

Answer 45

True ## Footnote Supplies like food, water, and medical essentials are crucial.

Question 46

How should patients **be reassured** during a disaster?

Answer 46

* Speak calmly * Provide clear instructions ## Footnote Maintaining composure helps prevent panic. Do not show fear. Your calm voice and clear directions will help the residents feel safe and follow your instructions.

Question 47

What is the best way to **transport a non-ambulatory patient** during an evacuation?

Answer 47

Use a **wheelchair** or an **evacuation sled**. ## Footnote Never try to carry a resident alone. Use the proper equipment and always ask for help from another staff member.

Question 48

How can **flooding** impact emergency response?

Answer 48

**Roads** may become **inaccessible** for emergency vehicles. ## Footnote If the roads are flooded, help may not be able to reach you. You must be prepared to care for the residents with the supplies you have on hand.