Bleeding & Wounds in Emergency Nursing

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Questions and Answers

What is the most effective way to control external hemorrhage?

Immobolizing the patient on a long spine board

Applying pressure point

Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart

Applying direct pressure over the injury site (correct)

What is the purpose of elevating the extremity in controlling venous bleeding?

To immobilize the extremity

To reduce bleeding by decreasing blood flow to the affected area (correct)

To apply a tourniquet

To apply direct pressure

When is the use of a tourniquet recommended in the management of hemorrhage?

As a supplement to direct pressure

As a last resort when all other methods have failed (correct)

In all cases of extremity injuries

As a first line of control for arterial bleeding

What is the first step in managing shallow wounds?

Washing inside with soap and water Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying antibiotic ointment to a wound?

To prevent infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of immobilizing an extremity injury?

To prevent further injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the procedure used for bone, joint, and muscle injuries?

RICE Signup and view all the answers

What type of joint is affected in clavicle and scapula injuries?

Acromioclavicular (A/C) joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical splinting method for a dislocated shoulder?

A sling with a pillow or towel between the arm and the chest wall Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic deformity associated with a fracture of the distal radius?

Silver fork deformity Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method of splinting a fracture of the forearm?

A padded board, air, vacuum, or pillow splint Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in splinting a wrist or hand injury?

Apply a sling and swathe Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when dealing with pelvic fractures?

Controlling life-threatening internal bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of insulin shock?

Insufficient sugar Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic symptom of rabies?

Hydrophobia Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended first aid for snake bites?

Rinse the bite with water for 5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when dealing with a seizure victim?

Clear the area of hazards Signup and view all the answers

What should you not do when dealing with snake bites?

Use the 'cut and suck' method Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to someone who has hypothermia?

Place them in warm blankets and give them warm liquids if they can swallow. Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of a potential fracture?

Painful, swollen, and may or may not be deformed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended first aid for heat stroke?

Remove to cooler location, loosen clothing, and immerse in cool water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an open and closed fracture?

An open fracture is when the bone breaks through the skin, while a closed fracture is not. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to an open fracture?

Cover the wound, apply dressing, and immobilise the injured part. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of heat stroke?

High heat and humidity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bleeding & Wounds Management

Types of bleeding: arterial, venous, and capillary.
Direct pressure can control 95% of external hemorrhages.
Elevating the wound can help with 97% effectiveness in venous bleeding management.
Pressure points can be used to control bleeding 99% of the time.
Use of tourniquets is rare and considered a last resort.
Most types of hemorrhage can be controlled within four to six minutes with direct pressure.
Elevate extremities to reduce venous bleeding, supplementing direct pressure.
Effective arterial compression requires the artery to be above the injury site and against a bony structure.

Managing Shallow and High-Risk Wounds

Clean shallow wounds with soap and water, irrigate with pressurized water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile dressing.
High-risk wounds necessitate urgency and appropriate medical care.

RICE Protocol for Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries

R = Rest to minimize further injury.
I = Ice applied for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours.
C = Compression using elastic bandages for swelling control.
E = Elevation helps reduce swelling.

Specific Injuries and Treatments

Clavicle fractures are common; the scapula is well-protected.
Use a sling and swathe for clavicle and scapula injuries; splint shoulder dislocations with a pillow or towel.
Humerus fractures can occur proximally, midshaft, or distally; traction may be applied for severe angulation.
Elbow injuries may have associated nerve and blood vessel damage; assess neurovascular function.
Forearm fractures typically involve both radius and ulna; use padded board splints.
Wrist and hand injuries require wound coverage and a padded board splint, ensuring the hand is in a functional position.
Pelvis fractures may result in life-threatening bleeding; immobile stable patients on long backboards for isolation.

Fainting and Diabetes Emergencies

Fainting may originate from carotid artery dilation leading to bradycardia and hypotension.
For conscious victims, lay them down with elevated feet; assess for diabetic history.
Insulin shock leads to hypoglycemia, while diabetic coma results from ketoacidosis, both requiring distinct emergency responses.

Rabies and Animal Bites

Rabies is deadly once symptomatic; treat bites by rinsing, cleaning, and seeking medical attention.
Rattlesnake and copperhead bites require limiting activity and immediate medical care.
Never use the "cut and suck method" for venom extraction.

Seizures and Emergency Procedures

During seizures, protect the victim from hazards; check breathing and have a clear airway.
For transporting a victim, use two-person carries; seek medical care for cleaning wounds.

Hypothermia treatment includes removing wet clothing, warming with blankets, and providing warm liquids if swallowing is possible.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency characterized by cognitive symptoms and extreme body temperature; immediate cooling measures include immersion, wet sheets, and compresses.

Fractures and Sprains

Fractures classified by cause (direct/indirect) and type (open/closed).
Open fractures expose bone to contamination; must be covered and immobilized.
Signs of fractures include pain, swelling, and possible deformation; sprains may also present similar symptoms.

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Description

This quiz covers the different types of bleeding, such as arterial, venous, and capillary, and methods to control external hemorrhage, including direct pressure and elevation. It's a crucial knowledge for nursing students and emergency care professionals.