Module 21: Bleeding Flashcards
Where are the voids?
behind the neck, lumbar spine, the knees, and the ankles
For life threatening hemorrhage, bleeding should be treated __ during the primary assessment.
first.
What is the function of white blood cells (leukocytes)?
fight infection
What is the function of platelets (thrombocytes)?
Responsible for forming clots
The body will not tolerate a blood loss greater than __% of blood volume, about ___ pints.
20
2 pints
What are the three ways bleeding is classified?
arterial, capillary, venous
What are the characteristics of arterial bleeding?
blood spurts/pulsates
difficult to control
brighter red (oxygenated)
What are the characteristics of venous bleeding?
flows slowly/rapidly/steadily, easier to manage
not pulsatile
darker red
What are the steps of blood clot formation?
vasoconstriction
coagulation
When will blood clots not form?
movement
diseases
medications
removal of bandages
severe injury
What does DCAP-BTLS stand for? When does it occur?
Used for trauma pts with blunt/penetrating trauma
deformities
contusions
abrasions
punctures/penetrations
Burns
Tenderness
Lacerations
Swelling
Compare hematemesis and hemopytsis
hematemesis: vomiting blood
Hemoptysis: coughing up blood
When should you ask trauma and medical patients if they’re bleeding?
primary assessment, and ALWAYS ask
What is the function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?
transport O2 to cells and expel CO2
Compare early signs of hypoperfusion to late
early:
change in mental status
weakness and dizziness when standing
pale skin
late:
*tachycardia
weakness and dizziness at rest
*thirst
*nausea and vomiting
cool clammy skin
What PPE should be donned during life threatening external hemorrhage?
gloves, gown (may not be enough time), mask, shield
Name the three steps to stopping bleeding
- apply pressure with hands
- applying dressing and press
- apply tourniquet
___ is the most effective way of stopping bleeding
direct pressure
4x4 are generally used for
lacerations
ABD pads are used for
burns, intestines
Bandages _____ dressings in place
hold
Bandages should be concerned by…
tying it off
If the bleeding soaks through the dressing, should you add more?
No, add a tourniquet
Of bleeding continues after applying a tourniquet, what can be done?
apply another, either on or above it
What is unique about hemostatic agents? When are they used?
they have a chemical agent that helps stop bleeding (chitosan)
they are used to pack the wound in non-extremities that cannot be given a tourniquet, such as the armpits, high shoulder and groin (not including abdomen or chest)
Describe the process of wound packing
- try to identify bleeding point
- pressure
- take gauze, roll into ball, and pack while maintaining pressure
- Hold pressure over wound for three minutes after packing completely
- apply pressure dressing
Where should the nose be pinched during epistaxis? Describe the pts position during this prcoess
distal to nasal bone
have pt lean forward (not back)
The most common cause of epistaxis is ___
distal trauma (picking nose)
A 22-year-old male has been shot in crease of his groin. He is bleeding significaly from the gun shot wound. You should:
pack the wound with hemostatic dressing
External bleeding from a vein is relatively easy to control because:
veins are under a lower pressure
Gastrointestinal bleeding should be suspected if a patient presents with:
dyspnea
hemoptysis
hematemesis
hematuria
hematemesis
If direct pressure with sterile dressing fails to immediately stop severe bleeding from an extremity, you
should apply:
a tourniquet proximal to the injury
The smaller vessels that carry blood away from the heart and connect the arteries to the
capillaries are called the:
arterioles
Which of the following organs can tolerate inadequate perfusion for up to 2 hours?
bones
You are attempting to control severe bleeding from a laceration behind a patient’s knee. You have
applied direct pressure to the wound and elevated the leg, but it continues to bleed severely. You
should:
elevate the pt’s legs
apply a pressure dressing to the wound
apply a tourniquet proximal to the knee
apply pressure to femoral artery
apply a tourniquet proximal to the knee
