Bleeding
Alternative names:
blood loss; open
injury bleeding
Definition:
To lose blood
from the blood vessels. This can occur internally, externally
through a natural opening (such as the vagina),
or externally through a break in the skin.
Considerations:
Direct pressure
will stop most external bleeding.
Bruises usually result from a blow or a fall. They are dark,
discolored areas on the skin. Apply a cool compress to the
area as soon as possible to reduce swelling.
Do not put ice directly on the skin. Instead, wrap the ice
in a towel and place the towel on or around the injury for
10 minutes.
The amount of blood is not a good way to judge the severity
of an injury. Serious injuries don't always bleed heavily,
and some relatively minor injuries (for example, scalp wounds)
bleed profusely. The blood of people who take blood-thinning
medication or who have a bleeding
disorder such as hemophilia
may not clot easily.
Always wash your hands before (if possible) and after giving
first aid to avoid the risk of infection and transmission
of disease. If possible, use latex gloves before giving first
aid. People allergic to latex, can use an impermeable non-latex
synthetic glove.
Although puncture wounds usually don't bleed very much, they
carry a high risk of infection. Seek medical care to prevent
tetanus or other infection.
Abdominal wounds can be very serious because of the possibility
of severe internal bleeding which may not be obvious externally,
but which may result in shock.
Seek medical care immediately if internal bleeding is suspected.
If organs have been displaced by the wound,
do not try to reposition them; cover the injury with a dressing,
and do not apply more than very gentle pressure to stop the
bleeding.
Always seek emergency assistance if internal bleeding is suspected.
This can rapidly become life-threatening. Immediate medical
intervention may be needed to stop the bleeding; this can
range from medications and intravenous
fluids, to use of an internal scope (endoscope), to surgery.
Seek emergency assistance for severe bleeding, loss
of a body part, or head
injury if appropriate.
Damage to a blood
vessel causes bleeding, which can range from minor to life
threatening.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
|
