Internal Bleeding Flashcards
What is internal bleeding?
Internal bleeding is the escape of blood from arteries, veins or capillaries into spaces in the body. Internal bleeding can be caused by a variety of injuries or conditions, including blunt force trauma.
Can internal bleeding can also occur along with external bleeding?
Internal bleeding can also occur along with external bleeding. For example, if a person is bleeding from a knife wound, the blade may have penetrated an organ, which then begins bleeding inside the body.
What are some signs and symptoms of internal bleeding?
Some signs and symptoms of internal bleeding include:
o Discoloration of the skin around the area (bruising) on the neck, chest, abdomen or side.
o Nausea, vomiting or coughing up blood.
o Discolored, painful, tender, swollen or firm tissue (e.g., the abdomen).
o Tenderness and guarding (protecting the area).
What should you do if a person is bleeding internally?
If a person is bleeding internally:
o Call for more advanced medical personnel if serious internal bleeding is suspected.
o Ensure the person remains as still as possible, to reduce the heart’s blood output.
o Care for shock.
Shock is a progressive, life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues and organs. As a result, organs and body systems begin to fail. Common causes of shock include severe bleeding and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but shock can develop quickly after any serious injury or illness. A person who is showing signs and symptoms of shock needs immediate medical attention.
What are some signs and symptoms of shock?
A person who is going into shock may show any of the following signs and symptoms:
Restlessness or irritability
Altered level of consciousness
Nausea or vomiting
Pale, ashen (grayish), cool, moist skin
Rapid breathing
Rapid, weak heartbeat Excessive thirst
When a person who has been injured or is ill shows signs and symptoms of shock, call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number immediately, if you have not already done so. Shock cannot be managed effectively by first aid alone, so it is important to get the person emergency medical care as soon as possible. While you are waiting for help to arrive, what do you do?
Have the person lie flat on his or her back.
Control any external bleeding.
Cover the person with a blanket to prevent loss of body heat.
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, even though he or she may complain of thirst. Eating or drinking increases the person’s risk for vomiting and aspiration (inhalation of foreign matter into the lungs). Aspiration can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Provide reassurance, and help the person rest comfortably. Anxiety and pain can intensify the body’s stress and speed up the progression of shock.
Continue to monitor the person’s condition and watch for changes in level of consciousness.
