You are changing Mr. Henderson’s dressing after surgery when you suddenly see bright red blood soaking through the bandages rapidly. This isn’t just a little oozing; this is a hemorrhage, and knowing how to react instantly can save your resident’s life.
What is Hemorrhage?
Hemorrhage (HEM-or-ij) is the medical term for heavy, uncontrolled bleeding. It can be external, meaning you can see blood leaving the body through a wound or orifice, or internal, where bleeding happens inside the body due to injury or surgery. While small cuts are minor, a hemorrhage involves a significant loss of blood that the body cannot stop on its own, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Why Hemorrhage Matters in Your Daily Care
Recognizing a hemorrhage is critical because rapid blood loss prevents oxygen from reaching the brain and organs. For residents on blood thinners or those recovering from surgery, even a minor injury can escalate quickly. Your role is to act immediately to slow the bleeding while alerting the nurse. Your fast response is the bridge between the resident and the emergency medical care they need.
What You’ll See During Your Shift
You might see blood pooling on the floor, soaking through dressings rapidly, or dripping heavily. In cases of internal bleeding, the signs are less obvious: the resident may become pale, dizzy, weak, or confused, and their skin may feel cool and clammy.
“Nurse, come to Room 210 immediately! Mr. Henderson is hemorrhaging from his surgical site. There is bright red blood pouring through the dressing and he feels clammy. I am applying firm pressure to the site right now.”
Common Pitfall & Pro Tip
⚠️ Pitfall: Panicking and leaving the resident alone to run and find the nurse. Never leave a bleeding resident unattended.
Pro Tip: Use your call light or shout for help while staying put. If the bleeding is external, put on gloves and apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Do not remove soaked bandages; place new ones directly on top and keep pressing.
Memory Aid for Hemorrhage
Remember “The 3 P’s”: Pressure, Pager, Pulse.
- Pressure: Apply direct pressure to the wound.
- Pager: Call the nurse immediately (call light).
- Pulse: Monitor the resident for shock (rapid weak pulse) while waiting.
This sequence ensures you take the right physical action and get the right help at the same time.
State Test Connection
Expect questions on emergency procedures and recognizing abnormal changes in a resident’s condition. You will need to identify the signs of bleeding and describe the correct immediate intervention.
Related Care Concepts
Hemorrhage is directly linked to shock (a life-threatening drop in blood pressure), vital signs (watching for dropping BP and racing heart), and wound care (monitoring surgical sites). It also connects to infection control (using gloves to protect yourself and the resident) and falls (checking for internal bleeding after a resident falls).
Quick Reference
✓ Key signs: Heavy blood flow, soaking bandages, pale skin, rapid pulse, dizziness ✓ When to report: Immediately—this is always an emergency ✓ Care reminders: • Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth • Do not remove blood-soaked pads; add more on top • Keep the resident calm and lying down if possible • Elevate the injured limb if appropriate (unless it causes pain) • Stay with the resident until the nurse arrives
Bottom line: When heavy bleeding starts, you are the first line of defense. Staying calm, applying pressure, and calling for help instantly protects your resident from further harm.