Wound Care And Splinting

Question 1

What is the primary goal of wound care in tactical settings?

Answer 1

Control bleeding, prevent infection, and protect tissue.

Question 2

What is the first step in wound care after bleeding control?

Answer 2

Expose and assess the wound.

Question 3

What is used to clean a wound in the field?

Answer 3

Sterile water, saline, or clean water if no sterile options available.

Question 4

What is the benefit of irrigation in wound care?

Answer 4

Reduces bacterial load and removes debris.

Question 5

What is a hemostatic dressing?

Answer 5

A dressing impregnated with agents that promote clotting.

Question 6

When is wound packing indicated?

Answer 6

For deep bleeding wounds that can’t be controlled by direct pressure alone.

Question 7

What is the duration of direct pressure after wound packing?

Answer 7

At least 3 minutes.

Question 8

What is the role of occlusive dressings?

Answer 8

Seal chest wounds to prevent air entry.

Question 9

What type of wounds require vented chest seals?

Answer 9

Open chest wounds at risk for tension pneumothorax.

Question 10

Why are non-adherent dressings important?

Answer 10

They prevent disruption of the wound during dressing changes.

Question 11

What is the role of elastic bandages in wound care?

Answer 11

Secure dressings and provide compression.

Question 12

What wounds should not be closed in the field?

Answer 12

Contaminated, deep puncture, or high-infection-risk wounds.

Question 13

What is delayed primary closure?

Answer 13

Closing a wound several days after injury if no signs of infection.

Question 14

When is wound debridement necessary?

Answer 14

To remove non-viable tissue and reduce infection risk.

Question 15

What should be done for wounds with visible bone or tendon?

Answer 15

Cover with moist sterile dressing and protect from further trauma.

Question 16

What are signs of wound infection?

Answer 16

Redness, warmth, swelling, pus, pain, fever.

Question 17

Why should improvised dressings be avoided when possible?

Answer 17

They may not be sterile and can introduce infection.

Question 18

What is the purpose of a pressure dressing?

Answer 18

To maintain hemostasis and control minor ongoing bleeding.

Question 19

What is the function of a burn dressing?

Answer 19

Moisturize, protect from contamination, and manage pain.

Question 20

How are abdominal eviscerations managed?

Answer 20

Cover with a moist, sterile dressing and avoid re-insertion.

Question 21

Why is frequent reassessment important in wound care?

Answer 21

To monitor for bleeding, infection, or dressing displacement.

Question 22

What should always accompany wound dressing in trauma?

Answer 22

Documentation of the injury, treatment, and time.

Question 23

What is the first step in splinting a fracture?

Answer 23

Assess circulation, sensation, and movement distal to the injury.

Question 24

Why are fractures splinted in trauma care?

Answer 24

To reduce pain, prevent further injury, and control bleeding.

Question 25

What materials can be used for field-expedient splints?

Answer 25

SAM splints, sticks, foam pads, or rigid materials with bandages.

Question 26

How should a limb be positioned when splinting?

Answer 26

In the position of function or as found unless circulation is compromised.

Question 27

What is a SAM splint?

Answer 27

A flexible aluminum and foam splint that can be molded to body contours.

Question 28

What should be reassessed after applying a splint?

Answer 28

Distal pulse, motor, and sensation.

Question 29

Why is padding used in splinting?

Answer 29

To prevent pressure sores and improve comfort.

Question 30

What is the rule of immobilizing a joint fracture?

Answer 30

Immobilize the joint above and below the fracture site.

Question 31

What is the benefit of traction splints for femur fractures?

Answer 31

Reduces bleeding and pain by aligning the bone.

Question 32

When is a traction splint contraindicated?

Answer 32

With pelvic injury or suspected hip dislocation.

Question 33

What is the risk of not splinting fractures?

Answer 33

Increased bleeding, nerve injury, pain, and delayed healing.

Question 34

What signs indicate compartment syndrome?

Answer 34

Pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, paralysis.

Question 35

What type of splint is ideal for hand injuries?

Answer 35

Volumetric, padded splint that keeps hand in neutral position.

Question 36

What is the purpose of spinal immobilization in trauma?

Answer 36

To protect the spinal cord in suspected spine injuries.

Question 37

What makes a splint effective?

Answer 37

Rigid support, correct positioning, and secure fixation.

Question 38

What should be avoided in open fractures before evacuation?

Answer 38

Manipulating or pushing bone back into place.

Question 39

Why is splinting helpful for pain control?

Answer 39

It minimizes movement of injured tissues.

Question 40

When should a splint be loosened or reassessed?

Answer 40

If swelling increases, circulation is compromised, or pain worsens.

Question 41

What is the tactical benefit of rapid splint application?

Answer 41

Stabilizes casualty for safe extraction and movement.

Question 42

What should be done before and after splinting?

Answer 42

Check CMS: circulation, motor, sensation.

Question 43

What injuries require splinting even if not visibly deformed?

Answer 43

Suspected fractures with pain, swelling, or tenderness.

Question 44

Why is improvised splinting sometimes necessary?

Answer 44

Lack of medical supplies in field settings.

Question 45

What is the role of triangle bandages in splinting?

Answer 45

Used for slings, swathes, or securing splints.

Question 46

What can be done to reduce swelling in splinted limbs?

Answer 46

Elevate the limb if not contraindicated.

Question 47

What is an open fracture?

Answer 47

A fracture where the bone pierces the skin or is exposed through a wound.

Question 48

What should be done for a suspected pelvic fracture?

Answer 48

Apply a pelvic binder and avoid unnecessary movement.