Bleeding Flashcards
Learn how bleeding occurs and the proper treatments to stop it
What is blood composed of?
- plasma 55%
- RBC 45%
- WBC and platelets 1%
What is the purpose of plasma?
It carries nutrients, minerals, and chemicals throughout the body.
Plasma is the carrier for blood.
What is the purpose of platelets?
Build up clots to stop bleeding.
What is the purpose of Red Blood Cells (RBC)?
It carries oxygen throughout the body via hemoglobin (Hgb).
What is the purpose of hemoglobin?
It carries oxygen molecules throughout the body.
Define:
perfusion
The circulation of blood to meet an organ’s or tissue’s oxygen demand.
How much blood volume is in the body?
- Male: 70 ml/kg
- Female: 65 ml/kg
What is the Oxyhemoglobin diassociation curve?
Check the image.
Fill in the blank.
The clotting proteins are produced by the _____.
liver
Describe how blood flows in the physiology of an arterial injury.
Blood spurts initially due to high pressure, but begins to flow steadily as the pressure drops.
How much internal bleeding can possibly occur with femur fractures?
1 liter
What medications interfere with clotting abilities?
- Aspirin
- Beta blockers
- Blood thinners
What is the process in which platelets aggregate at an injured site in order to stop bleeding?
hemostasis
What is the condition in which a person lacks appropriate clotting factors?
hemophilia
Name the three classes of hemorrhagic shock.
- Compensated
- Decompensated
- Irreversible
What are the vitals and blood loss from Compensated Shock?
Class I and II
Vitals:
- HR: <100 or >100 bpm
- BP: normal
- RR: 14-30 breaths per min
- CNS: slightly to mildly anxious
- Skin color: cool, pale or pink
- Fluid replacement: crystalloid
Blood Loss: 750-1500ml
What are the vitals and blood loss from Decompensated Shock?
Class III
Vitals:
- HR: 30-40 bpm
- BP: Low
- RR: 30-40 breaths per min
- CNS: anxious and/or confused
- Skin color: cold, pale, moist
- Fluid replacement: crystalloid and blood
Blood Loss: 1,500-2,000 ml
What are the vitals and blood loss from Irreversible Shock?
Class IV
Vitals:
- HR: >140 bpm
- BP: really low
- RR: >35 breaths per min
- CNS: confused and lethargic
- Skin color: cold, cyanotic
- Fluid replacement: crystalloid and blood
Blood Loss: >2,000ml
What is a vomited blood called?
hematemesis
What is a coughed-up blood called that is typically bright red?
hemoptysis
What is a black, tarry stool, that is composed of digested blood?
melena
Indicates lower GI bleed.
Fill in the blank.
Blood in the urine is called _____.
hematuria
Fill in the blank.
Hematochezia is the passage of ______ ____ blood.
bright red
It typically indicates hemorrhoids in the lower GI.
What is the sign for internal bleeding with referred left shoulder pain?
Kehr’s Sign
Indicates an injured or ruptured spleen.
How do you manage external hemorrhage?
- Apply direct pressure with a dry, sterile dressing.
- Apply pressure dressing.
- If not controlled, apply a tourniquet.
What do you apply to a wound that is spurting blood?
- direct pressure
- pressure dressing
What do you apply to a wound that is spurting bright red blood uncontrollably?
tourniquet
List the DO’s and DONT’s for applying a tourniquet.
DO:
- Use a commercial tourniquet (TQ) or the widest bandage possible.
- Apply the windlass until the distal pulse is absent.
- Write the time of application on the TQ.
- Leave a 2-finger distance from the joint.
DO NOT:
- Apply over a joint.
- Use wire, rope, or a belt.
- Cover a TQ with a bandage.
What do you use to stop internal bleeding from a pelvic fracture?
pelvic binder/splint
How do splints help to decrease bleeding?
It stabilizes movement of broken bones in the pelvic cavity.
Broken bones lacerate surrounding tissues and exacerbate the injury.
What type of material should be used in packing a wound?
hemostatic agent
What are the steps to a Primary Assessment?
List the steps in order.
- Hemorrhage
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
- Disability
- Environment
If there is visible bleeding, identify the source and address it.
