NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamTraumaEasy
An 18-year-old male sustained a laceration to his left forearm after falling on broken glass. The wound is bleeding steadily but not spurting, and appears dark red. Which type of bleeding is MOST likely present?
- AInternal bleeding
- BVenous bleeding
- CCapillary bleeding
- DArterial bleeding
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Venous bleeding
Venous bleeding is characterized by a steady flow of dark red blood and is typically easier to control than arterial bleeding. Arterial bleeding spurts and is bright red.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Internal bleeding is not visible externally in this manner and would present with signs of shock, not a visible steady flow.
- C. Capillary bleeding is a slow ooze of blood, often from superficial abrasions, and is usually easily controlled.
- D. Arterial bleeding is characterized by bright red, spurting blood, which is not described here.
Types of External Bleeding
Classification of external bleeding based on the type of blood vessel injured, influencing the color, flow, and severity of hemorrhage.
- Arterial: Bright red, spurting, severe.
- Venous: Dark red, steady flow, easier to control.
- Capillary: Oozing, superficial, usually minor.
Memory trick: Blood Flow: Art-Bright-Spurt, Vein-Dark-Steady, Cap-Ooze-Light!