Bleeding, Wounds, and Shock Flashcards

A person has a deep cut on their forearm that is spurting bright red blood. After ensuring the scene is safe and wearing personal protective equipment, what is your IMMEDIATE priority?

Answer: Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean dressing.

For arterial bleeding, characterized by spurting, bright red blood, the most critical and immediate action is to apply firm, direct pressure to the wound. This is the most effective way to control severe bleeding. While other steps like elevation and treating for shock are important, they are secondary to stopping the blood loss at its source.

You are providing first aid to a construction worker who has a piece of rebar impaled through their thigh. The person is conscious and in pain. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Answer: Stabilize the rebar in place with bulky dressings and call for emergency help.

An impaled object should not be removed, as it may be acting as a plug to control bleeding and its removal can cause further significant damage. The correct procedure is to stabilize the object in place using bulky dressings to prevent movement, control bleeding by applying pressure around the object, and immediately seek emergency medical services.

Which of the following are common signs and symptoms of shock?

Answer: Pale, cool, clammy skin, and a rapid, weak pulse.

The body's response to shock involves redirecting blood flow to vital organs. This results in pale or ashen, cool, and clammy (moist) skin. The heart beats faster to compensate for the loss of blood volume or pressure, leading to a rapid and weak pulse. Other signs include rapid, shallow breathing, nausea, and changes in mental status.

A person has caught their hand in a piece of machinery, resulting in an avulsion, where a flap of skin is torn away but still partially attached. How should you care for the wound after controlling the bleeding?

Answer: Gently clean the wound, fold the skin flap back into its normal position, and cover with a sterile dressing.

For an avulsion where a skin flap is present, the proper first aid is to gently clean the wound area (e.g., with mild soap and water), carefully place the flap back into its normal position if possible, and cover it with a sterile dressing to protect it. This preserves the tissue for potential reattachment and healing. Aggressive cleaning or removing the tissue can cause further damage.

A person is showing signs of shock after a serious fall. They are lying on their back and are conscious. After calling for emergency medical help, what is the best position for the person, assuming no head, neck, back, or leg injuries are suspected?

Answer: Have them continue to lie flat and elevate their legs about 12 inches.

For a person in shock without suspected spinal or leg injuries, elevating the legs helps to redirect blood flow from the extremities to the vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. They should be kept lying flat on their back. This position can help improve circulation and manage the symptoms of shock until emergency responders arrive.

You are controlling severe bleeding from a wound on a person's arm with direct pressure and a dressing. If the blood soaks through the first dressing, what should you do?

Answer: Apply a second dressing on top of the first one and continue to apply pressure.

If blood soaks through the initial dressing, you should not remove it, as this can dislodge any clots that have started to form and restart the bleeding. The correct procedure is to add another dressing or cloth pad on top of the first one and continue to maintain or even increase the pressure.