EFA exit exam questions and answers — Set 1 — Elementary First Aid

Set 1 of the Elementary First Aid (EFA) exit exam bank — 30 of 1185 questions, with the correct option marked and a one-line explanation for every one. Read it end to end, jump to a single set, or search it — then sit the same bank as a timed paper. The real DG Shipping exit exam is 30 marks with 15 to pass.

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Set 1 — 30 EFA exit exam questions with answers

1. What is called the voice box?

A. Trachea
B. Larynx
C. None of the above
D. Epiglottis

Answer: B — Larynx

The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, contains the vocal cords and is responsible for producing sound and speech.

2. In topographic anatomy, the term lateral means:

A. Above the midline of the body
B. Away from the midline of the body
C. Below the midline of the body
D. Towards the midline of the body

Answer: B — Away from the midline of the body

In topographic anatomy, the term 'lateral' refers to a position away from the midline of the body or toward the side.

3. Where does the partly digested food in liquid form go after it leaves the stomach?

A. Small intestine
B. Liver
C. Pancreas
D. Large intestine

Answer: A — Small intestine

After partially digesting in the stomach, food moves into the small intestine where most of the digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.

4. Urine enters the bladder through which structure?

A. Nephron
B. Urethra
C. Bowman's capsule
D. Ureter

Answer: D — Ureter

Urine travels from the kidneys down to the bladder through tubes called ureters.

5. Which system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response?

A. Central nervous system
B. Endocrine system
C. Parasympathetic nervous system
D. Sympathetic nervous system

Answer: D — Sympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, preparing the body to react to perceived threats by increasing heart rate and diverting blood flow.

6. What is the correct sequence for the primary survey?

A. D-A-B-C-R
B. R-A-B-C-D
C. D-R-A-B-C
D. A-B-C-D-R

Answer: C — D-R-A-B-C

The correct sequence for the primary survey in first aid is Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation (DRABC).

7. Which of the following are considered crucial protective equipment?

A. Mask
B. Eye shield
C. All of the above
D. Gloves

Answer: C — All of the above

Gloves, masks, and eye shields are all considered crucial protective equipment to prevent the transmission of infections and protect against bodily fluids.

8. You are taking blood pressure by palpation. A radial pulse indicates a blood pressure of at least:

A. 60 mmHg
B. 90 mmHg
C. 80 mmHg
D. 70 mmHg

Answer: C — 80 mmHg

When taking blood pressure by palpation, the presence of a radial pulse typically indicates a systolic blood pressure of at least 80 mmHg.

9. An unconscious seaman is lying on his back and not breathing. What is the first thing you do?

A. Give rescue breaths
B. Call for help
C. Check for a pulse
D. Tilt his head back as far as it will go

Answer: D — Tilt his head back as far as it will go

When an unconscious seaman is not breathing, the first step to open the airway is to tilt the head back and lift the chin, ensuring the tongue is pulled away from the throat.

10. If you suspect a head or neck injury, you should:

A. Move the victim as quickly as possible
B. Support the head and neck in the position found
C. None of the above
D. Try to straighten the victim's neck

Answer: B — Support the head and neck in the position found

If a head or neck injury is suspected, it is crucial to support the head and neck in the position they are found to prevent further damage to the spinal cord.

11. When a victim is having a neck injury, you should:

A. Try to align his head and neck
B. Move his head gently
C. None of the above
D. Hold his head still

Answer: D — Hold his head still

When a victim has a suspected neck injury, the primary action is to hold their head still to avoid exacerbating any spinal trauma.

12. You suspect a head and neck injury in a victim who is unresponsive and not breathing. How would you open the airway to give breaths?

A. Use a suction device
B. None of the above
C. Tilt the head back and lift the chin
D. Jaw thrust technique

Answer: D — Jaw thrust technique

For a victim with suspected head or neck injury who is unresponsive and not breathing, the jaw thrust technique is used to open the airway, as it minimally disturbs the cervical spine.

13. Check the carotid artery for a pulse on:

A. The ankle
B. The groin
C. The side of his neck
D. The wrist

Answer: C — The side of his neck

The carotid artery, used for checking a pulse in an unresponsive adult, is located on the side of the neck.

14. Fainting happens when:

A. The heart stops beating
B. The person is dehydrated
C. The person is anxious
D. The brain does not get enough blood with oxygen

Answer: D — The brain does not get enough blood with oxygen

Fainting, or syncope, occurs when the brain temporarily does not receive enough oxygenated blood, leading to a brief loss of consciousness.

15. If there is no response from the crew when you are doing the primary survey, you should:

A. Give rescue breaths
B. Check for a pulse
C. None of the above
D. Call 108 and return to the crew

Answer: D — Call 108 and return to the crew

If there is no response from the crew during the primary survey, the immediate next step is to call for emergency medical assistance (e.g., 108 or ship's medical officer) and then return to the victim.

16. Shock is the condition where:

A. The person is dehydrated
B. The body loses a lot of blood
C. The cardiovascular system fails to deliver blood to all parts of the body
D. The person is in pain

Answer: C — The cardiovascular system fails to deliver blood to all parts of the body

Shock is a critical condition where the cardiovascular system fails to deliver adequate blood supply to all parts of the body, leading to a lack of oxygen in tissues.

17. What is the proper rate of chest compressions in CPR?

A. 80 per minute
B. 100 per minute
C. 120 per minute
D. 60 per minute

Answer: B — 100 per minute

The proper rate for chest compressions during CPR, for both adults and children, is 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

18. If an AED is available but does not have child pads or child energy setting, what should you do for a six-year-old non-responsive victim?

A. None of the above
B. Do not use the AED
C. Call for help
D. Use the AED with adult pads

Answer: D — Use the AED with adult pads

If an AED is available without child pads or a child setting, it is recommended to use the adult pads for a child victim, ensuring they do not touch each other.

19. When giving care for external bleeding, what should you do first?

A. Apply direct pressure
B. Elevate the limb
C. Apply a tourniquet
D. Call for help

Answer: A — Apply direct pressure

When managing external bleeding, the immediate action is to apply direct pressure to the wound to control blood loss.

20. You feel a sudden short pain in the bottom of your left foot. You look at the bottom of your left shoe and see a tack sticking in your shoe. What type of wound do you probably have?

A. Avulsion
B. Laceration
C. Abrasion
D. Puncture

Answer: D — Puncture

A tack sticking into the foot through the shoe describes a puncture wound, which is caused by a sharp object penetrating the skin. This is distinct from abrasions (superficial scraping) or lacerations (tearing of tissue).

21. What are splints made of?

A. All of the above
B. Wood
C. Cardboard
D. Clean plastic

Answer: A — All of the above

Splints can be improvised from any rigid material such as wood, cardboard or plastic.

22. What should you do if you think a crew has internal bleeding?

A. None of the above
B. Apply pressure to their abdomen
C. Give them something to drink
D. Call for help

Answer: D — Call for help

Internal bleeding is serious and requires immediate medical attention. Signs like severe pain, dizziness, or a rigid abdomen necessitate calling for professional medical help promptly; do not give the victim anything to eat or drink.

23. First aid for frostbite is:

A. Rub the affected area
B. Give some hot coffee
C. Give some warm water
D. None of the above

Answer: C — Give some warm water

For frostbite, the affected area should be gently rewarmed in warm (not hot) water, typically around 40°C (104°F). Rubbing the area can cause further damage, and hot drinks can be detrimental as they can redistribute blood flow away from extremities.

24. What is the recommended amount of time to wash your hands?

A. 40 seconds
B. 5 minutes
C. 20 seconds
D. 30 seconds

Answer: C — 20 seconds

Health guidance (WHO/CDC) recommends scrubbing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; the whole hand-washing procedure takes around 40-60 seconds.

25. You can best control the swelling and pain of an ankle sprain by:

A. Taking over-the-counter pain medication
B. Applying a compression bandage
C. All of the above
D. Rest, immobilization, application of cold, and elevation (RICE)

Answer: D — Rest, immobilization, application of cold, and elevation (RICE)

The RICE protocol (Rest, Immobilization, Cold, Elevation) is the foundational treatment for sprains and strains to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. While compression bandages and pain medication can offer symptomatic relief, they are adjuncts to the primary RICE management strategy.

26. Mouth-to-nose respiration should be used only when:

A. The victim has a broken jaw
B. The victim is unconscious
C. It is impossible to open the victim's mouth
D. The victim has a severe head injury

Answer: C — It is impossible to open the victim's mouth

Mouth-to-nose respiration is a crucial alternative technique indicated when the victim's mouth cannot be opened due to significant facial trauma, jaw injuries, or foreign body obstruction. This ensures ventilation is still possible, maintaining oxygenation until advanced medical care is available.

27. Toxic substances can affect the body in the following ways:

A. All of the above
B. Through the skin
C. Through the lungs
D. Through the eyes

Answer: A — All of the above

Toxic substances can enter the body via multiple routes, including inhalation through the lungs, dermal absorption through the skin, and ingestion or direct contact with the eyes. Recognizing these entry points is vital for appropriate first aid and prevention of further exposure.

28. What should you do if you think a crew member has internal bleeding?

A. Monitor the victim's vital signs and seek medical attention if they worsen
B. Give the victim pain medication
C. Apply a cold compress to the abdomen
D. Call your local emergency phone number for help

Answer: D — Call your local emergency phone number for help

Internal bleeding is a serious condition that requires immediate professional medical intervention. While monitoring vital signs is important, definitive management necessitates seeking emergency medical services promptly rather than attempting home care like cold compresses or pain medication.

29. Which of the following is a sign of severe airway obstruction?

A. High-pitched inhalation noise
B. Forceful cough
C. All of the above
D. Wheezing

Answer: A — High-pitched inhalation noise

A high-pitched noise on inhalation (stridor) or no sound indicates severe obstruction; a forceful cough and wheezing indicate mild obstruction with good air exchange.

30. Infant CPR is administered to any child under the age of:

A. 6 months
B. 12 months
C. 24 months
D. 18 months

Answer: B — 12 months

Infant CPR guidelines typically define an infant as a child under one year of age, excluding newborns. This age distinction is important for applying appropriate techniques, such as two-finger chest compressions and ensuring correct airway positioning.

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EFA exit exam questions and answers — Set 1 — Elementary First Aid

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