What is the rule about dressings during external bleeding?

What is the rule about dressings during external bleeding?

• A. Use dressings only once
• B. Remove dressings to monitor bleeding
• C. Apply dressings loosely
• D. Never take dressings off, only add

Answer: (D)

When stopping external bleeding, the priority is to preserve the clot and keep pressure on the wound. You do this by applying a clean dressing and holding it in place. If the dressing becomes soaked, do not remove it. Instead, keep the initial dressing in place and add new dressings on top to absorb more blood while continuing to apply pressure. Removing the dressing can disrupt formed clots and restart the bleeding, making the situation worse. Dressings should be applied firmly enough to maintain pressure but not so tight that they cut off circulation; loosening is not effective for controlling bleeding. The practiced rule is to never take dressings off—only add more as needed until medical help arrives or the bleeding is controlled.

When stopping external bleeding, the priority is to preserve the clot and keep pressure on the wound. You do this by applying a clean dressing and holding it in place. If the dressing becomes soaked, do not remove it. Instead, keep the initial dressing in place and add new dressings on top to absorb more blood while continuing to apply pressure. Removing the dressing can disrupt formed clots and restart the bleeding, making the situation worse. Dressings should be applied firmly enough to maintain pressure but not so tight that they cut off circulation; loosening is not effective for controlling bleeding. The practiced rule is to never take dressings off—only add more as needed until medical help arrives or the bleeding is controlled.