Chapter 8

Bleeding

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

Types of External Bleeding

• Arterial (spurting)

• Venous (flowing)

• Capillary (oozing)

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.

Bruises

• A form of internal bleeding

• Not life-threatening

• Apply ice pack for 20 minutes.

• Apply elastic bandage for compression to extremity.