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MFA exit exam questions and answers — Set 17 — Medical First Aid

Set 17 of the Medical First Aid (MFA) exit exam bank — 30 of 675 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.

These are the bank's original groupings. Practising deals the whole bank out again every time you reshuffle, so a practice “Set 3” is a different 30 questions each time — the set numbers below are the source file's, and are only used here so the key stays navigable. Options are listed in their original order with fixed letters; when you practise, those move too.

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Set 17 — 30 MFA exit exam questions with answers

1. Soft tissue injuries such as bruises should be cared for by:

  • A. Applying heat and elastic bandages
  • B. Applying ice and elevating the injured part
  • C. Applying direct pressure on the area to reduce bleeding under the skin
  • D. Both applying ice with elevation and applying direct pressure
Answer: D — Both applying ice with elevation and applying direct pressure
Closed soft tissue injuries bleed under the skin. Direct pressure, a cold pack and elevation of the injured part all reduce bleeding, swelling and pain. Heat should be avoided in the early stage as it increases blood flow and swelling.

2. Internal bleeding can be caused by:

  • A. Injury
  • B. Illness
  • C. Medication
  • D. All of the above
Answer: D — All of the above
Internal bleeding may result from blunt or penetrating trauma, from illnesses such as ulcers or ruptured blood vessels, and from medication such as anticoagulants that interfere with clotting. The first aider must suspect it whenever signs of shock appear without visible blood loss.

3. When should you give rescue breathing only?

  • A. To a conscious choking casualty
  • B. To an unconscious choking casualty
  • C. To an unconscious casualty with no pulse who is not breathing
  • D. To an unconscious casualty who is not breathing but has a pulse
Answer: D — To an unconscious casualty who is not breathing but has a pulse
Rescue breathing alone is given when the casualty has a pulse but is not breathing adequately. If there is no pulse and no breathing, full CPR with chest compressions is required; choking casualties need back blows, thrusts or CPR.

4. Your role in making the emergency medical services (EMS) system work effectively includes which four steps?

  • A. Elevate, identify, decide, execute
  • B. Check, call, care, protect
  • C. Recognise, decide, call, provide care
  • D. None of the above
Answer: C — Recognise, decide, call, provide care
The bystander's role in the EMS chain is to recognise that an emergency exists, decide to act, call for professional help, and provide care until help arrives. Each step is essential for the system to work effectively.

5. Snake bites can be very serious. When caring for a snake bite casualty, which of the following should you NOT do?

  • A. Wash the wound
  • B. Apply ice
  • C. Keep the bitten part still and below the level of the heart
  • D. Get professional medical care as soon as possible
Answer: B — Apply ice
Ice should not be applied to a snake bite because it can damage tissue and does not slow venom spread usefully. The wound should be washed, the casualty kept calm with the limb immobilised and below heart level, and medical help obtained quickly.

6. When caring for a person suffering from heat cramps, you should:

  • A. Apply cold packs
  • B. Give cool water or a sports drink
  • C. Have the person keep walking slowly to work the cramp out
  • D. Massage the muscle vigorously to increase circulation
Answer: B — Give cool water or a sports drink
Heat cramps are caused by loss of fluid and salts through heavy sweating. The casualty should rest in a cool place and be given cool water or an electrolyte drink, with gentle stretching of the affected muscle, rather than continued exertion.

7. A person has been hit in the mouth and a tooth has been knocked out. You should:

  • A. Control the bleeding by having the casualty bite down on a rolled sterile dressing in the tooth socket
  • B. Save the tooth by placing it in milk
  • C. Wrap the tooth in a dry tissue and give it to the casualty to take to a dentist
  • D. Both control the bleeding with a rolled dressing and save the tooth in milk
Answer: D — Both control the bleeding with a rolled dressing and save the tooth in milk
Bleeding from the socket is controlled by having the casualty bite on a rolled sterile dressing. The tooth should be handled by the crown and kept moist, ideally in milk, so it can be re-implanted by a dentist; a dry tooth quickly loses viability.

8. When caring for a casualty with a nosebleed, which of the following should you NOT do?

  • A. Apply an ice pack to the bridge of the nose
  • B. Apply pressure to the upper lip just beneath the nose
  • C. Have the casualty sit with the head tilted slightly forward while pinching the nostrils together
  • D. Have the casualty sit with the head tilted backward while pinching the nostrils together
Answer: D — Have the casualty sit with the head tilted backward while pinching the nostrils together
Tilting the head back allows blood to run down the throat, where it may be swallowed and cause vomiting or be inhaled. The casualty should sit leaning slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for about 10 minutes.

9. Dressings and pads:

  • A. Should be removed when blood-soaked and replaced with new ones
  • B. Are used to help control bleeding and keep germs out of the wound
  • C. Are not included in a first aid kit
  • D. Should not be used to cover a wound
Answer: B — Are used to help control bleeding and keep germs out of the wound
Dressings are placed directly on a wound to help control bleeding, absorb blood and prevent infection. Blood-soaked dressings should not be removed, as this disturbs clotting; further dressings are added on top instead.

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

  • A. Elevate the injury
  • B. Apply direct pressure
  • C. Apply a loose dressing
  • D. Apply a tourniquet
Answer: B — Apply direct pressure
Direct pressure on the wound, ideally over a clean or sterile dressing, is the first and most effective way to control external bleeding. Elevation may assist, and a tourniquet is reserved for life-threatening limb bleeding that direct pressure cannot control.

11. Where is the carotid artery located?

  • A. Inside the wrist just above the hand
  • B. On the neck, to the right or left of the windpipe
  • C. Behind the kneecap
  • D. Inside the arm between the elbow and shoulder
Answer: B — On the neck, to the right or left of the windpipe
The carotid arteries run up either side of the neck beside the windpipe (trachea). The carotid pulse is felt in the groove between the windpipe and the neck muscle and is the preferred site for checking the pulse of an unconscious adult.

12. You feel a sudden sharp pain in the bottom of your left foot and find a tack sticking through your shoe. What type of wound do you probably have?

  • A. Avulsion
  • B. Bruise
  • C. Abrasion
  • D. Puncture
Answer: D — Puncture
A puncture wound is caused by a pointed object such as a nail or tack piercing the skin. It may bleed little externally but carries a high risk of infection, including tetanus, because dirt is carried deep into the tissue.

13. A woman has fallen and turned her ankle. She says she heard something snap, and she looks pale and is sweating. What should you do?

  • A. Have the casualty walk on the injured ankle
  • B. Care for the injury as if it were serious
  • C. Apply heat and elevate the injury
  • D. Apply a dressing and bandage loosely
Answer: B — Care for the injury as if it were serious
A snapping sound, pallor and sweating suggest a possible fracture and developing shock. Any such injury should be treated as serious: immobilise the joint in the position found, apply a cold pack, treat for shock and obtain medical help.

14. A 15-year-old boy has just splashed a chemical on his face. After sending someone to call for help, you should:

  • A. Cover the burned area
  • B. Keep the casualty calm until help arrives
  • C. Flush the burned area with large amounts of water until help arrives
  • D. Immediately drive the casualty to hospital
Answer: C — Flush the burned area with large amounts of water until help arrives
Chemical burns must be flushed with large amounts of cool running water for at least 20 minutes, or until medical help takes over, to dilute and remove the chemical. Care must be taken not to wash the chemical into the eyes or onto unaffected skin.

15. For which of the following burn casualties should you immediately call for emergency medical help?

  • A. A 40-year-old man who has burned his hand with hot coffee
  • B. A 68-year-old woman who has a blistered grease burn on her hands and arms
  • C. A 26-year-old woman who has sunburn on her shoulders
  • D. All of the above
Answer: B — A 68-year-old woman who has a blistered grease burn on her hands and arms
Burns covering more than one body part, involving the hands, or occurring in elderly people or young children are considered serious and require urgent medical care. A small scald or mild sunburn on a healthy adult can usually be managed with first aid.

16. Splint an injury to a muscle, bone or joint only when:

  • A. You have to move or transport the casualty
  • B. You can do so without causing more pain or injury
  • C. You have splinting materials available
  • D. Both when you have to move the casualty and when you can do so without causing more pain
Answer: D — Both when you have to move the casualty and when you can do so without causing more pain
Splinting is carried out only if the casualty must be moved or transported and it can be done without causing further pain or damage. Otherwise the injured part is supported in the position found until medical help arrives.

17. Which of the following should you do when caring for a casualty having a seizure?

  • A. Remove nearby objects that might cause injury
  • B. Place a small object, such as a rolled-up cloth, between the casualty's teeth
  • C. Try to hold the person still
  • D. All of the above
Answer: A — Remove nearby objects that might cause injury
During a seizure the first aider protects the casualty by clearing away hard or sharp objects and cushioning the head. Nothing should be put in the mouth and the casualty should not be restrained, as this can cause injury.

18. You suspect that a person has been poisoned and she is conscious. Your first call should be to:

  • A. The Poison Control Centre or local emergency number (on board, Radio Medical Advice)
  • B. The casualty's own physician
  • C. The hospital emergency department
  • D. The local pharmacy
Answer: A — The Poison Control Centre or local emergency number (on board, Radio Medical Advice)
A Poison Control Centre or emergency service can give immediate specialist advice on the specific substance. At sea, the equivalent is Radio Medical Advice (TMAS) together with the Medical First Aid Guide, used before giving anything by mouth.

19. A casualty has lost a lot of blood through a deep cut in his leg. He is breathing fast and seems pale and restless. He is probably:

  • A. Having a stroke
  • B. Having a heart attack
  • C. In shock
  • D. Choking
Answer: C — In shock
Rapid breathing, pale cool skin and restlessness following major blood loss are classic signs of hypovolaemic shock. The casualty should be laid down, bleeding controlled, legs raised if no injury prevents it, kept warm and given urgent medical care.

20. A casualty of a car accident has just vomited and appears to be coughing up blood. He is breathing very quickly and his pulse is weak and fast. What is most likely wrong?

  • A. He is having a seizure
  • B. He has internal bleeding
  • C. He is having a heart attack
  • D. He is having a diabetic emergency
Answer: B — He has internal bleeding
Coughing or vomiting blood after trauma, together with rapid breathing and a weak, rapid pulse, indicates internal bleeding with developing shock. This needs urgent medical evacuation; the first aider treats for shock and monitors the airway.

21. Your check of the scene suggests that a casualty has suffered an electric shock. The first thing to do is:

  • A. Cover all burns with a dry, loose dressing
  • B. Ask a bystander to help you move the casualty
  • C. Place the casualty on one side with the head down
  • D. Make sure the power is turned off
Answer: D — Make sure the power is turned off
The rescuer must first ensure their own safety by isolating the electrical supply before touching the casualty. Only then can breathing and circulation be checked, CPR started if needed, and burns at entry and exit points treated.

22. Which statement about using an AED on an infant is correct?

  • A. An AED can be used on an infant, preferably with paediatric pads or a dose attenuator
  • B. An AED must never be used on an infant
  • C. An AED may be used on an infant only after 30 minutes of CPR
  • D. An AED can be used only on adults weighing more than 50 kg
Answer: A — An AED can be used on an infant, preferably with paediatric pads or a dose attenuator
Current resuscitation guidelines allow AED use on infants and children. Paediatric pads or a dose attenuator are preferred, but if only adult pads are available they may be used, placed front and back so they do not touch.

23. Which is correct regarding an unconscious casualty lying in the recovery position?

  • A. No pillow should be placed under the head, so the airway stays open and fluids can drain
  • B. A thick pillow should be placed under the head to raise it
  • C. The casualty should be turned onto the back every few minutes
  • D. The mouth should be kept closed with a bandage
Answer: A — No pillow should be placed under the head, so the airway stays open and fluids can drain
In the recovery position the head is tilted slightly back with the mouth downward so that the airway stays open and vomit or fluids can drain out. A pillow would flex the neck forward and could obstruct the airway.

24. Which organ produces bile, a digestive fluid also known as gall?

  • A. Liver
  • B. Pancreas
  • C. Spleen
  • D. Kidney
Answer: A — Liver
The liver is a large chemical factory involved in carbohydrate, protein, fat and vitamin metabolism, blood clotting and red cell breakdown. Its digestive function is to produce bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and helps digest fats.

25. Neurogenic shock is most commonly caused by:

  • A. Spinal cord injury
  • B. Severe external bleeding
  • C. An allergic reaction
  • D. Severe dehydration
Answer: A — Spinal cord injury
Neurogenic shock results from injury to the spinal cord, which disrupts the nervous control of blood vessels. The vessels dilate, blood pressure falls and circulation fails even though no blood has been lost.

26. Anaphylaxis may be caused by an allergic trigger that is:

  • A. Eaten
  • B. Inhaled
  • C. Injected by a bite or sting
  • D. All of the above
Answer: D — All of the above
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. The allergen may enter the body by being eaten (nuts, shellfish), inhaled (pollen, dust), or injected by an insect sting, bite or medication.

27. Cold water can remove body heat approximately ____ times faster than cold air at the same temperature.

  • A. 2
  • B. 5
  • C. 25
  • D. 100
Answer: C — 25
Water conducts heat away from the body about 25 times faster than air at the same temperature. A person immersed in cold water therefore becomes hypothermic far more quickly, which is why minimising immersion time is vital in survival at sea.

28. An atmosphere is considered oxygen deficient and harmful to human life when its oxygen content falls below ____ by volume.

  • A. 19.5%
  • B. 23.5%
  • C. 25%
  • D. 30%
Answer: A — 19.5%
Normal air contains about 21% oxygen. Below 19.5% by volume the atmosphere is regarded as oxygen deficient, and lower levels cause impaired judgement, unconsciousness and death; enclosed spaces must read 21% before entry.

29. Which of the following is NOT recommended for a casualty with broken ribs?

  • A. Tightly binding the chest with a crepe bandage around the torso
  • B. Supporting the arm on the injured side with a sling
  • C. Placing the casualty in a comfortable half-sitting position
  • D. Encouraging regular deep breathing
Answer: A — Tightly binding the chest with a crepe bandage around the torso
Binding the chest restricts breathing and increases the risk of pneumonia and lung collapse, so it is no longer recommended. The arm on the injured side may be supported in a sling and the casualty encouraged to breathe deeply.

30. Which drink is most suitable for a dehydrated casualty?

  • A. Water or oral rehydration solution
  • B. An energy drink such as Red Bull
  • C. Alcohol
  • D. Strong coffee
Answer: A — Water or oral rehydration solution
Dehydration is treated with water or oral rehydration salts that replace fluid and electrolytes. Energy drinks, coffee and alcohol contain caffeine, high sugar or alcohol that can increase fluid loss and worsen the condition.

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