Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

When treating a casualty for shock, which of the following is NOT an appropriate action?

1. Keep the casualty warm

2. Provide them with food and drink

3. Monitor their vital signs closely

4. Elevate their legs if possible

The correct answer is: Provide them with food and drink

Providing food and drink to a casualty experiencing shock is not an appropriate action due to several reasons. When someone is in shock, their body is in a critical state, and the digestive system is not functioning optimally. This can lead to complications, as providing food can risk choking or lead to aspiration, especially if the person becomes unconscious or semi-conscious. Additionally, the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs rather than the digestive system during shock, making it ineffective and potentially harmful to introduce food or fluids by mouth. On the other hand, keeping the casualty warm is important because controlling body temperature can help prevent further complications. Monitoring vital signs is essential to assess the casualty's condition and respond to any changes quickly. Elevating the legs can help improve blood circulation toward the heart and vital organs, which is a common practice in managing shock. Therefore, the correct action in this scenario is to avoid providing food and drink to someone in shock.