Question

After applying a pressure dressing to a laceration on a patient's arm, you notice that blood is slowly beginning to saturate it. You should:

A) apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound.
B) splint the arm and keep it below heart level.
C) replace the dressing with another dressing.
D) place additional dressings over the wound.

Answer 1

When a pressure dressing on a laceration becomes saturated with blood, additional dressings should be placed over the wound to maintain pressure and control bleeding. If bleeding is severe and does not stop, a tourniquet may be necessary, and the arm should be elevated to reduce blood flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you notice that blood is beginning to saturate a pressure dressing applied to a laceration on a patient's arm, the correct action to take is to place additional dressings over the wound. This helps to maintain pressure and control the bleeding. It is important not to remove the original dressing, as this can disrupt any clots that may have formed and increase bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop with additional dressings, or the wound is very severe, it might be appropriate to apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound. However, this should be considered a last resort and should only be done if you are trained in its proper application, as improper use can cause tissue damage. Additionally, after stabilizing the bleeding, the arm should be elevated above the heart to reduce blood flow to the area and further assist in stopping the bleeding.