Soft-Tissue Injuries and First Aid

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a closed soft-tissue injury?

It always presents with obvious signs of injury.

It is typically treated with immediate surgical intervention.

The skin is broken and bleeding occurs.

It involves bleeding that is internal or has pooling blood. (correct)

What is an example of a closed soft-tissue injury?

Evisceration

Laceration

Bruising (correct)

Abrasion

Which of the following is a treatment for large bruising and swelling?

Administering oral pain medication

Using a cold pack on the injury site (correct)

Massaging the area gently

Applying heat to the injury site

What defines an open soft-tissue injury?

The skin is open and there may be external bleeding. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of open soft-tissue injury involves the removal of a limb?

Amputation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary first-aid responsibility for a patient with an open soft-tissue injury?

Controlling bleeding and preventing contamination Signup and view all the answers

How should minimal swelling from a closed soft-tissue injury be treated?

No treatment is necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of injury is an evisceration?

A protrusion of organs outside the body Signup and view all the answers

What indicates arterial bleeding?

Bright red blood spurting or flowing from a wound Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bleeding is indicated by dark red blood flowing steadily from a wound?

Venous bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of a tourniquet?

To stop arterial flow to an extremity Signup and view all the answers

What does hemostatic gauze do?

Promotes blood clotting Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is preferred for the first step in stopping bleeding from an open wound?

Direct pressure Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the first layer of standard gauze does not stop bleeding?

Apply additional layers while maintaining pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Capillary bleeding is characterized by which of the following?

Dark red blood oozing slowly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dressings in controlling bleeding?

To protect the wound and promote healing Signup and view all the answers

If you do not have additional hemostatic gauze, what is the appropriate action to take?

Leave the saturated hemostatic gauze in place and apply a bulky dressing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step when treating an injury with minor bleeding?

Recruit someone to apply pressure while preparing the first aid. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the management of severe bleeding?

Immediate identification and control of the bleed is crucial. Signup and view all the answers

When should gauze be reapplied during treatment for bleeding?

If the existing gauze becomes saturated. Signup and view all the answers

How long should you apply direct pressure when using standard gauze?

Three to five minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of major, life-threatening external bleeding?

Blood spurting out of the wound Signup and view all the answers

When applying a tourniquet to control extremity bleeding, which step should come first?

Recruit someone to apply pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method to stop major, life-threatening bleeding from an extremity?

Using a tourniquet Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if bleeding is from a junction area?

Pack the wound and apply steady pressure Signup and view all the answers

Why might a person with a partial or complete amputation not show severe bleeding immediately?

Blood vessels may be in spasm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign of major external bleeding?

A small cut with minor bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a tourniquet is not available to control bleeding?

Pack the wound and apply direct pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to follow when using a tourniquet to stop bleeding?

Manufacturer instructions for application Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position for applying a tourniquet?

As high on the extremity as possible Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after applying the tourniquet?

Record the time of application Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a suitable action when applying a tourniquet?

Applying it over the patient's wallet Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that the tourniquet is effective?

All bleeding has stopped Signup and view all the answers

How should junctional bleeding be treated?

Pack the wound with hemostatic gauze Signup and view all the answers

Why is the application of pressure important before providing first aid for junctional bleeding?

It assists in managing the bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What action should you take if a tourniquet does not stop the bleeding?

Apply a second tourniquet adjacent to the first one Signup and view all the answers

What should you mark on the patient’s forehead concerning the tourniquet?

A letter 'T' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Closed Soft-Tissue Injuries

Characterized by damage to soft tissues (skin, muscles, ligaments) without a break in the skin.
Example: Bruising (contusion).
Treatment for large bruising and swelling may include elevation, ice, and compression.
Minimal swelling can be treated with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation).

Open Soft-Tissue Injuries

Defined by a break in the skin, exposing underlying tissues.
Amputation is an example of an open soft-tissue injury involving limb removal.
Primary first-aid for open injuries is controlling bleeding.

Bleeding Control

Arterial bleeding is bright red and spurts with each heartbeat.
Venous bleeding is dark red and flows steadily.
Capillary bleeding is characterized by oozing.
Direct pressure with a clean dressing is the first step in stopping bleeding from an open wound.
If the first layer of gauze doesn't stop bleeding, add more gauze on top without removing the initial layer.
Dressings help absorb blood and apply pressure to the wound.
If you run out of hemostatic gauze, use any clean material available to apply pressure.
For minor bleeding, start with direct pressure.

Managing Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding is indicated by profuse bleeding, rapid pulse, pale skin, and dizziness.
Re-apply gauze only if soaked through; do not remove previous layers.
Apply direct pressure for at least 20 minutes with standard gauze.
A common sign of major external bleeding is blood spurting from a wound.

Tourniquets

Primarily used for life-threatening extremity bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure.
Apply tourniquet proximal (above) to the bleeding site.
Preferred method for stopping major extremity bleeding is a tourniquet.
For junctional bleeding (where limbs join torso), use direct pressure before proceeding to a tourniquet, addressing multiple blood vessels.
A person with amputation may not initially exhibit severe bleeding due to vasoconstriction and clot formation.
Lack of rapid pulse is NOT a sign of major external bleeding.
If a tourniquet is unavailable, use improvised methods and seek immediate help.
Tourniquet application requires following specific procedures and documentation.
Position the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound, tightening until bleeding stops.
Record the time of tourniquet application.
Avoid placing the tourniquet directly on a joint.
A tourniquet is effective when bleeding stops.

Junctional Bleeding

Requires pressure before any other measures.
If a tourniquet doesn't stop the bleeding after proper placement, take additional measures.
Mark the time of tourniquet placement on the patient's forehead.
Evisceration is an open injury involving the protrusion of internal organs.

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Description

This quiz covers essential knowledge about closed and open soft-tissue injuries, including types of bleeding and first aid treatment methods. Test your understanding of symptoms, diagnosis, and emergency response strategies for various injury types. Ideal for students in health and medical courses.