Amamio, Carl Patrick
BSN 212-A
Ms. Resimer V. Natividad
“Bleeding”
Bleeding, also known as hemorrhage, is the name used to describe blood loss. It can refer to blood loss
inside the body, called internal bleeding, or to blood loss outside of the body, called external bleeding.
Blood loss can occur in almost any area of the body. Internal bleeding occurs when blood leaks out
through a damaged blood vessel or organ. External bleeding happens when blood exits through a break
in the skin.
Blood loss from bleeding tissue can also be apparent when blood exits through a natural opening in the
body, such as the:
Mouth
Vagina
Rectum
Nose Traumatic bleeding
An injury can cause traumatic bleeding.
Traumatic injuries vary in their severity. Common types of traumatic injury include:
abrasions (scrapes) that don’t penetrate too far below the skin.
hematoma or bruises
lacerations (cuts)
puncture wounds from items like needles, nails, or knives
crushing injuries
gunshot wounds
Medical conditions
There are also some medical conditions that can cause bleeding. Bleeding due to a medical condition is
less common than traumatic bleeding. Conditions that can cause bleeding include:
Hemophilia
Leukemia
Liver disease
Menorrhagia, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, like what’s sometimes seen in
endometriosis.
Thrombocytopenia, low blood platelet count
Von Willebrand disease
Vitamin K deficiency
Brain trauma
Colon diverticulosis
Lung cancer
Acute bronchitis
Medicines
Some medicines and certain treatments can increase your chances of bleeding, or even cause bleeding.
Your doctor will warn you about this when they first prescribe the therapy. And they’ll tell you what to
do if bleeding occurs. Medications that may be responsible for bleeding include:
blood thinners
antibiotics, when used on a long-term basis.
radiation therapy
aspirin and other NSAIDs.
First Aid
For severe bleeding, take these first-aid steps:
Call 911 or your local emergency number if the wound is deep or you're not sure how serious it
is. Don't move the injured person except if needed to avoid further injury. Before checking for
the source of the wound, put on disposable gloves and other personal protective equipment if
you have them.
Remove any clothing or debris from the wound. Look for the source of the bleeding. There
could be more than one injury. Remove any obvious debris but don't try to clean the wound.
Don't remove large or deeply embedded objects, and don't probe the wound.
Stop the bleeding. Cover the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Press on it firmly with
the palm of your hand until bleeding stops. But don't press on an eye injury or embedded object.
Don't press on a head wound if you suspect a skull fracture. Wrap the wound with a thick
bandage or clean cloth and tape. Lift the wound above heart level if possible.
Help the injured person lie down. If possible, place the person on a rug or blanket to prevent
loss of body heat. Elevate the feet if you notice signs of shock, such as weakness, clammy skin or
a rapid pulse. Calmly reassure the injured person.
Add more bandages as needed. If the blood seeps through the bandage, add more gauze or
cloth on top of the existing bandage. Then keep pressing firmly on the area.
Tourniquets: A tourniquet is effective in controlling life-threatening bleeding from a limb. If
needed, apply a commercially made tourniquet if it's available and you're trained in how to use
it. Don't use an improvised tourniquet, such as a scarf or a belt. When emergency help arrives,
tell them how long the tourniquet has been in place. Keep the person still. If you're waiting for
emergency help to arrive, try to keep the injured person from moving. If you haven't called for
emergency help, get the injured person to an emergency room as soon as possible.
Wash your hands. After helping the injured person, wash your hands, even if it doesn't look like
any blood got on your hands.
Nursing Interventions
