Bleeding Emergencies Part 3 - Chapter 8

The Blood and Blood Vessels Liquid and solid components 7% of the body’s total weight Average adult has a blood volume of 10-12 pints Three major functions: Transport oxygen, nutrients, and waste Protect against disease by producing antibodies Maintain body temperature by circulating throughout

The Blood and Blood Vessels The liquid part of the blood is called plasma Half total blood volume Contains nutrients essential for energy production The solid components of blood include red and white blood cells and cell fragments called platelets Essential for clotting

The Blood and Blood Vessels Arteries - carry blood away from the heart Vary in size; smallest (arterioles) carry blood to capillaries Capillaries - microscopic blood vessels Transfer oxygen and nutrients from blood into cells Pick up waste products and move to venules Veins - carry blood back to the heart Carry waste for kidneys, intestines, and lungs where they are eliminated

Bleeding Emergencies Hemorrhage - a large amount of bleeding occurring in a short amount of time External Bleeding - bleeding coming from a wound Internal Bleeding - bleeding inside the body that is often difficult to recognize

External Bleeding External bleeding occurs when a blood vessel is opened externally, such as through a tear in the skin. Arterial bleeding (bleeding from an artery) often rapid and severe Highest risk to become life-threatening Venous bleeding (bleeding from a vein) generally easier to control Capillary bleeding is the most common type of bleeding Usually slow

Care for External Bleeding Direct pressure - most effective for external bleeding Pressure placed on a wound restricts blood flow and allows clotting to occur

Minor External Bleeding Use barrier between your hand and wound Use gloves and place sterile dressing on wound Apply direct pressure for a few minutes Wash wound thoroughly with soap and water; gently dry with clean gauze Cover wound with clean dressing and bandage Wash your hands immediately after giving care, even if your wore gloves

Severe External Bleeding Put on disposable gloves If blood has potential to splatter, wear eye and face protection Control external bleeding Cover wound with dressing and press firmly against wound with gloved hand Apply pressure bandage over dressing to maintain pressure and hold bandage in place If blood soaks through bandage, do not remove. Add more pads and bandages to help absorb blood and continue to apply pressure

Severe External Bleeding Continue to monitor person’s condition Take steps to minimize shock Have the person rest comfortably and reassure him or her Wash your hands immediately after giving care, even if you wore gloves

Signals of Internal Bleeding Tender, swollen, bruised areas of the body, such as the abdomen Rapid breathing Skin that feels cool or moist, or looks pale or bluish Vomiting blood or coughing up blood Excessive thirst An injured extremity that is blue or extremely pale Altered mental state such as confusion, fainting, drowsiness, or unconsciousness

Care for Internal Bleeding Do no further harm Monitor breathing and consciousness Help the person rest comfortably Keep the person from becoming chilled or overheated Reassure the person Give any specific care needed

Shock Emergencies Part 3 - Chapter 9

Shock Emergencies Shock: life-threatening condition that occurs when the circulatory system fails to provide adequate oxygenated blood to all parts of the body When vital organs do not receive sufficient oxygenated blood, the body initiates responses to protect those organs Blood flow to the extremities decreases while flow to the vital organs increases

Causes of Shock Cardiogenic Shock Distributive Shock Failure of the heart to pump enough blood Heart may beat too rapidly, causing an ineffective pump Ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation Distributive Shock Abnormal dilation of the blood vessels Vessels are not filled completely with blood, causing less oxygen to be delivered to the rest of the body

Causes of Shock Hypovolemic Shock Severe bleeding Insufficient blood volume can lead to shock Other causes can include loss of fluids through vomiting, diarrhea, and burns

Signals of Shock Apprehension, anxiety Restlessness or irritability Nausea or vomiting Pale, ashen, greyish skin Skin that is cool or moist Rapid breathing Excessive thirst

Care for Shock CHECK - CALL - CARE Maintain open airway Control external bleeding Immobilized any broken bones or damaged joints If possible, have the person lie down flat; help them rest comfortably Maintain normal body temperature Do not give the person food or drink Talk in a calm and reassuring manner to reduce stress Continue to monitor condition