Bleeding and Wound Care Flashcards

A tourniquet has been applied. How should you mark time of application?

Answer: Write the time on the patient's skin near the tourniquet with a marker

Writing 'TK' and the time directly on the patient's skin ensures EMS always has the critical information even if rescuers change.

What is the maximum recommended time a tourniquet should remain on a limb before tissue damage becomes a serious concern?

Answer: 2 hours

Tourniquets should be removed or reassessed within approximately 2 hours to minimize risk of permanent nerve and tissue damage.

During wound irrigation, what is the recommended minimum volume of clean water to use for a contaminated wound?

Answer: At least 250–500 mL or more

Copious irrigation with at least 250–500 mL of clean water significantly reduces bacterial contamination and infection risk.

A patient is showing signs of hypovolemic shock from blood loss. Which combination of signs is most consistent with this condition?

Answer: Rapid weak pulse, low blood pressure, pale cool clammy skin

Hypovolemic shock causes compensatory tachycardia, hypotension, and peripheral vasoconstriction resulting in pale, cool, clammy skin.

Which wound type is MOST likely to require sutures or wound closure strips to heal properly?

Answer: A deep 2-inch laceration on the scalp

Deep lacerations with gaping edges require closure to approximate tissue, reduce infection risk, and minimize scarring.

What does the term 'ecchymosis' refer to in wound assessment?

Answer: Bruising caused by blood leaking into surrounding tissue

Ecchymosis is the medical term for bruising — discoloration caused by blood from damaged vessels spreading under the skin.

A dressing that sticks to a wound is being removed. What is the safest technique?

Answer: Moisten the dressing with saline or water before gently peeling it away

Moistening an adherent dressing softens dried blood and exudate, reducing trauma to healing tissue during removal.