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A 39-year-old female presents to her dermatologist's office to have a mole removed from her right inner bicep. During the procedure, the physician accidentally makes a deep incision resulting in severe hemorrhage. The blood is bright red and spurting; direct pressure is attempted, but fails to stop the bleeding. Which care technique is indicated?

A) Apply a tourniquet
B) Apply ice to the wound
C) Elevate the affected arm
D) Apply a hemostatic agent

1 Answer

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Final answer:

In the case of severe arterial bleeding where direct pressure is ineffective, a tourniquet is the next indicated care technique. This is a medical emergency, and the tourniquet should be applied immediately, with the time of application recorded.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario describes a case where a deep incision has resulted in severe hemorrhage with bright red blood spurting, indicating arterial bleeding. Since direct pressure has failed to stop the bleeding, the most appropriate care technique to be employed is application of a tourniquet. A tourniquet will constrict blood flow to the limb and is used as a life-saving measure when severe bleeding cannot be controlled by other means. Applying ice, elevating the arm, or applying a hemostatic agent may be helpful in some scenarios, but in the case of severe hemorrhage where direct pressure has failed, a tourniquet is the recommended intervention. It is important to use the tourniquet correctly and record the time it was applied, as prolonged use can cause tissue damage.

After addressing the immediate emergency with the tourniquet, medical professionals will undertake further steps, such as suture repair of the vessel or transfusion if needed, to manage the hemorrhage and initiate the wound-healing process. Monitoring for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, and pain is also essential following stabilization and treatment of the wound.

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