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Correct Answer: if bleeding resumes after a pressure dressing has been applied, remove it and apply another dressing.
the correct action to take when controlling external hemorrhage involves a series of steps designed to promote clotting and stop the bleeding without causing further injury or disruption to the wound site. one of these steps is the application of a pressure dressing. however, a common misconception is what to do if bleeding continues despite this measure.
the incorrect action, as identified in the question, is the removal of a soaked pressure dressing to apply a new one. this action is not advisable because it can interfere with the clotting process that has already begun beneath the existing dressing. when a dressing is removed, especially from a vigorously bleeding wound, the clots that have started forming can be pulled away, leading to renewed and possibly increased bleeding.
instead, the appropriate action is to add more absorbent material on top of the soaked dressing. this can involve placing additional layers of gauze or another dressing on top of the existing one and then applying renewed pressure. this method helps in bolstering the pressure on the wound site, thereby enhancing the chances of controlling the hemorrhage.
continuously applying direct pressure is vital, even after the additional dressings are applied. direct pressure helps to compress the blood vessels at the injury site, reducing the flow of blood and encouraging clot formation. this should be maintained until professional medical help arrives or until the bleeding is definitively controlled.
in summary, when dealing with an external hemorrhage where a pressure dressing becomes soaked with blood, do not remove the original dressing. instead, add more layers on top and continue to apply direct pressure. this approach minimizes the risk of disrupting any clotting that has occurred and provides the best chance of controlling the bleeding effectively.
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