MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a step in treating shock?

1. Directly providing fluids

2. Control external bleeding

3. Open the airway

4. Calm and reassure the victim

The correct answer is: Directly providing fluids

The treatment of shock involves several critical steps that aim to stabilize the victim and address the underlying causes. These steps typically include controlling external bleeding, opening the airway, and calming the victim to reduce anxiety and prevent further physiological stress. Directly providing fluids, while often necessary in medical settings to treat shock, typically falls under the care of trained medical personnel and is not a traditional first-aid response. In a pre-hospital or emergency situation, the responder may not have the means to safely or effectively administer fluids. Therefore, the emphasis in managing shock before professional assistance arrives mainly focuses on controlling bleeding, ensuring an open airway, and providing comfort to the victim. Broadly speaking, addressing the immediate needs of the victim—breathing, bleeding, and emotional reassurance—takes precedence before any advanced interventions such as fluid administration. Understanding this context clarifies why directly providing fluids does not align with standard first responder steps in treating shock.