Chapter 8 Bleeding
Dec 26, 2015
Bleeding
• Rapid blood loss can lead to shock or death.• Loss of 1 quart in adult• Loss of 1 pint in child
• Hemorrhaging• Loss of a large quantity of blood in a
short amount of time
Body’s Response to Bleeding
• Body responds naturally to bleeding:• Blood vessel spasm
• Severed blood vessels draw back and constrict.
• Clotting • Platelets form clot.• Serves as a protective covering for wound
Care for External Bleeding (1 of 4)
• Wear gloves.• If no gloves,
improvise with other materials.
• Expose wound.
Care for External Bleeding (2 of 4)
• Apply pressure.• Place sterile gauze
pad or clean cloth over wound.
• Hold direct pressure for at least 5 minutes.
• Do not remove dressings.
Care for External Bleeding (3 of 4)
• Use a pressure bandage.• Wrap roller gauze
tightly over dressing.
• Do not cut off circulation.
Care for External Bleeding (4 of 4)
• Do not apply direct pressure to:• Protruding bone fracture• Skull fracture• Embedded object
• Instead, use a ring pad.• Form a loop by wrapping bandage around
four fingers.• Pass other end of bandage through loop.• Wrap entire bandage around and around.
Internal Bleeding
• Skin is intact and blood is not seen.• Can be life-threatening• Causes:
• Bleeding stomach ulcers• Lacerated liver• Ruptured spleen• Broken bones
Recognizing Internal Bleeding (1 of 2)
• Bright red blood from mouth or rectum
• Blood in urine
• Vaginal bleeding (nonmenstrual)
• Vomiting blood• Bright red, dark red, or coffee grounds
• Stools are black, tarry, foul-smelling.
Recognizing Internal Bleeding (2 of 2)
• Pain, tenderness, bruising, or swelling
• Broken ribs, bruises over lower chest• Rigid abdomen
Care for Severe Internal Bleeding
• Monitor breathing.
• Have victim lie on left side.• Prevents aspiration of vomit
• Treat for shock.• Keep warm with coat or blanket.
• For internal bleeding in an extremity, apply a splint.
• Seek immediate medical care.