Coast Guard Exams
Question 117Safety & Environmental - QMED70% to pass

A person reports to you with a fishhook in his thumb. To remove it you should _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) push the barb through, cut it off, then remove the hook. This is the recommended procedure for removing a fishhook that has penetrated the skin. Pushing the barb through the skin allows the hook to be removed with the least amount of additional damage. Cutting off the barb eliminates the sharp point that could cause further injury during removal. The other options are not recommended - pulling the hook out with pliers can cause more tissue damage, having a surgeon remove it is unnecessary for a simple hook injury, and cutting the skin is overly invasive.