North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

In an emergency situation, what is an essential action to take if someone has shock?

1. Provide food and water

2. Keep them motionless and quiet

3. Elevate their legs above the heart

4. Encourage them to talk

The correct answer is: Keep them motionless and quiet

In an emergency situation involving a person experiencing shock, keeping them motionless and quiet is critical. Shock can be caused by various factors such as severe blood loss, injury, or dehydration, which compromise the body’s ability to circulate blood effectively. By ensuring that the individual remains still and calm, you help reduce further strain on their body, particularly the cardiovascular system. Movement or unnecessary exertion can worsen their condition, so minimizing activity is crucial. In situations like this, it is also important to monitor the person’s condition and provide reassurance without causing additional stress. While other actions may seem helpful, such as providing food or water, this can complicate the situation, especially if the person requires medical assistance or has sustained injuries affecting their ability to swallow. Elevating the legs above the heart might also help in some cases, but it is not universally recommended for all shock situations and could be contraindicated depending on the type of shock. Encouraging them to talk could increase anxiety and disrupt the calming effect that is necessary in managing their condition.