Question

A client comes into the Emergency Room with a heavily bleeding thigh wound. Which is the priority nursing action? A. Start oxygen B. Put pressure on the wound C. Establish an IV line D. Determine the cause of the wound

Short answer

Put pressure on the wound

Step-by-step solution

Identify the immediate need

Assess the situation to identify the most critical requirement for the client's survival. In this case, the client has a heavily bleeding thigh wound.

Prioritize life-saving measures

Consider the ABCs of first aid – Airway, Breathing, and Circulation – and how they apply to this scenario. Here, circulation is directly affected by the heavy bleeding.

Stop the bleeding

Select the action that will directly address the heavy bleeding. Applying pressure to the wound is the most immediate and effective method to control bleeding.

Key concepts

wound management

Wound management is essential when dealing with emergencies involving injuries. Proper wound care helps prevent infection, manages pain, and ensures proper healing. When someone has a wound, the first step is to assess the severity of the injury. Look for signs like the depth of the wound, amount of bleeding, and the presence of any foreign objects. Clean the wound gently with water and use sterile dressings. Always wear gloves to protect yourself and the patient. Applying an antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection. Monitor the wound for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. Seek medical attention if the wound does not improve or if it shows signs of infection.

first aid ABCs

The ABCs of first aid stand for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. These are the most critical functions to ensure survival in an emergency.

• Airway: Ensure the person's airway is open and clear. You can use head-tilt and chin-lift techniques to open the airway.
• Breathing: Check if the person is breathing. Look for chest movements, listen for breath sounds, and feel for airflow from the nose or mouth.
• Circulation: Assess if the person has a pulse and if there is any severe bleeding. Control any severe bleeding immediately by applying pressure to the wound.

Correctly following these steps can drastically improve the chances of recovery and survival in an emergency. Emergency responders prioritize these functions to stabilize the patient before addressing any other issues.

emergency care prioritization

In emergency care, prioritizing interventions can make the difference between life and death. Efforts should focus on the most critical needs first. For example:

• Always address severe bleeding immediately, as loss of blood can be life-threatening.
• Assess and maintain the patient's airway and breathing.
• Once critical needs are met, proceed with secondary assessments, like establishing an IV line or determining the cause of the injury.

Prioritization helps in utilizing limited resources efficiently and ensures the patient receives the most urgent care promptly. Always reassess the patient's condition regularly to modify care priorities as required. Solid training and practice in emergency prioritization can help healthcare providers make quick and effective decisions.

bleeding control techniques

Controlling bleeding is a critical aspect of emergency care. Here are some effective bleeding control techniques:

• Applying Direct Pressure: Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply direct pressure to the wound. This helps control the bleeding by encouraging blood clot formation.
• Elevation: If possible, elevate the injured limb above the heart level to slow down the bleeding.
• Using Tourniquets: In cases of severe bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure, apply a tourniquet above the wound. Tighten it until the bleeding stops.
• Pressure Points: Use pressure points—specific areas where major arteries are close to the skin—to reduce blood flow to the injured area.

Each technique has its place and should be used depending on the severity and location of the wound. Proper training in these techniques can significantly improve outcomes in emergency situations.