PATIENT EDUCATION: EXTERNAL BLEEDING INJURIES

What it is: External bleeding means blood is leaving the body through a cut, scrape, or wound you can see.
Types of external bleeding:
- Capillary bleeding: Slow, oozing blood (like a scrape).
- Venous bleeding: Dark red blood that flows steadily (from a vein).
- Arterial bleeding: Bright red blood that may spurt (from an artery; most serious).

2. Symptoms to Watch For

Signs of infection (if wound is open):

Delayed complications:

Pain management: Take prescribed medicine or over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
Mobility: Avoid using the injured body part too much until healed.
Wound care: Always follow your physician’s wound care orders. Keep the area clean and dry. Contact home health or doctor if the wound looks infected or the dressing becomes compromised.
Rest and rehabilitation: Allow your body time to heal. Gentle movement may be recommended once safe.

Infection prevention: Wash your hands before touching your wound. Use clean dressings. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or dirty water until cleared.
Fall prevention: Remove trip hazards, use handrails, and keep rooms well lit.
Monitor delayed symptoms: Watch for weakness, dizziness, or new pain/swelling.

Call home health or doctor: For mild bleeding, questions about wound care, or signs of infection that are not severe.
Go to the ER immediately: If bleeding will not stop with pressure, blood is spurting, skin is turning pale/blue, you feel faint, or there is a large/deep wound.

True or False – Circle your answer.

TRUE or FALSE: External bleeding means blood is leaving the body through a wound you can see.
TRUE or FALSE: All external bleeding is life-threatening.
TRUE or FALSE: Capillary bleeding is slow and oozes.
TRUE or FALSE: Venous bleeding is bright red and spurts out.
TRUE or FALSE: Arterial bleeding is the most serious type.
TRUE or FALSE: A small scrape on the knee is an example of mild external bleeding.
TRUE or FALSE: Severe bleeding can cause dizziness or fainting.
TRUE or FALSE: Blood-thinning medicines may make bleeding worse.
TRUE or FALSE: Infection signs include redness, warmth, pus, or fever.
TRUE or FALSE: Delayed complications may include poor wound healing or scarring.
TRUE or FALSE: You should always follow your doctor’s wound care instructions.
TRUE or FALSE: Keeping a wound clean and dry helps prevent infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Swimming in a pool with an open wound is safe if the water is clean.
TRUE or FALSE: Pain medicine should only be taken as prescribed or directed.
TRUE or FALSE: Home health can help with wound care and dressing changes.
TRUE or FALSE: Go to the ER if bleeding will not stop after applying pressure.
TRUE or FALSE: Pale or cold skin may be a sign of blood loss.
TRUE or FALSE: You should wash your hands before changing a wound dressing.
TRUE or FALSE: Removing trip hazards at home helps prevent falls and injuries.
TRUE or FALSE: It is important to rest and allow your body to heal after bleeding injuries.

TRUE – External bleeding is visible bleeding from outside the body.
FALSE – Not all are life-threatening; small cuts are usually mild.
TRUE – Capillary bleeding is slow and oozing.
FALSE – Venous bleeding is dark red and steady, not spurting.
TRUE – Arterial bleeding is most serious because it can be fast and hard to stop.
TRUE – Scrapes are mild external bleeding.
TRUE – Severe blood loss can cause dizziness or fainting.
TRUE – Blood thinners can make bleeding worse.
TRUE – These are classic signs of infection.
TRUE – Delayed problems include scarring or poor healing.
TRUE – Doctor’s instructions are key for healing.
TRUE – Clean and dry wounds heal better and avoid infection.
FALSE – Open wounds should stay out of pools or hot tubs to avoid germs.
TRUE – Medicine should be taken only as directed.
TRUE – Home health staff are trained to help.
TRUE – ER care is needed for bleeding that won’t stop.
TRUE – Pale/cold skin may mean too much blood loss.
TRUE – Clean hands prevent infection.
TRUE – Fall prevention reduces injury risk.
TRUE – Rest helps your body heal.