PATIENT EDUCATION: INTERNAL BLEEDING
Understanding the Injury
What it is: Internal bleeding happens when blood leaks inside the body, instead of coming out through a wound you can see. It can be hidden and dangerous.
Types of internal bleeding:
Minor internal bleeding – may stop on its own (like a small bruise).
Moderate internal bleeding – may need hospital care.
Severe internal bleeding – life-threatening and requires emergency treatment.
Location and Severity
Internal bleeding can happen in the head, chest, abdomen (belly), or muscles.
Mild: Small bruises.
Moderate: Bleeding in muscles or small organs.
Severe: Bleeding in the brain, chest, or stomach – this can be deadly.
Cause / Risk Factors
Car accidents or falls.
Sports or work injuries.
Broken bones that damage blood vessels.
Certain medicines (blood thinners).
Medical conditions like ulcers or aneurysms.
2. Symptoms to Watch For
Dizziness, fainting, or weakness.
Severe pain in the belly, chest, or head.
Large bruises, swelling, or tightness in muscles.
Vomiting blood or coughing up blood.
Black or bloody stools (bowel movements).
Severe headache or confusion.
Signs of infection (after surgery or with wounds): Redness, warmth, pus, fever.
Delayed complications: Shock, organ damage, stroke, or even death if untreated.
3. Post-Hospitalization Information
Follow doctor’s instructions carefully.
Take medicines as prescribed (blood pressure, pain, or blood clotting medicines).
Attend all follow-up appointments and scans.
4. Home Management & Recovery
Pain management: Take pain medicine as ordered. Do not take anything not approved by your doctor.
Mobility: Move slowly; avoid lifting or straining.
Wound care: If you had surgery, always follow your physician’s wound care orders. Keep the area clean and dry. Call your doctor or home health if the wound looks infected.
Rest and rehabilitation: Allow your body to heal. Do gentle activity only if your doctor says it’s safe.
5. Prevention of Complications
Infection prevention: Wash hands before touching wounds, change dressings with clean supplies, avoid dirty water.
Fall prevention: Remove clutter, use rails, and keep areas well lit.
Monitoring for delayed symptoms: Report dizziness, fainting, severe pain, or unusual bruising right away.
6. When to Contact Home Health vs ER
Call home health or doctor: For medication questions, minor bruising, or wound care support.
Go to the ER immediately: If you vomit blood, pass black/bloody stools, feel faint, have sudden severe pain, confusion, or signs of shock (cold, pale skin, rapid heartbeat).
PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT: Internal Bleeding
True or False – Circle your answer.
TRUE or FALSE: Internal bleeding means blood is leaking inside the body.
TRUE or FALSE: Internal bleeding is always easy to see from the outside.
TRUE or FALSE: Small bruises are a type of minor internal bleeding.
TRUE or FALSE: Severe internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
TRUE or FALSE: Internal bleeding can happen in the head, chest, belly, or muscles.
TRUE or FALSE: Car accidents and falls can cause internal bleeding.
TRUE or FALSE: People taking blood thinners have a higher risk of internal bleeding.
TRUE or FALSE: Black or bloody stools may be a sign of internal bleeding.
TRUE or FALSE: Dizziness or fainting can happen with blood loss.
TRUE or FALSE: Large bruises or swelling in muscles may be a warning sign.
TRUE or FALSE: Internal bleeding in the brain can cause confusion or headaches.
TRUE or FALSE: All cases of internal bleeding can be treated at home.
TRUE or FALSE: Following up with your doctor after hospitalization is important.
TRUE or FALSE: You should always follow wound care instructions after surgery.
TRUE or FALSE: Washing your hands before changing dressings helps prevent infection.
TRUE or FALSE: Avoiding heavy lifting or straining helps the body heal.
TRUE or FALSE: Fall prevention at home lowers the chance of new injuries.
TRUE or FALSE: You should call home health for questions about medicines or wound care.
TRUE or FALSE: Go to the ER if you vomit blood or feel faint.
TRUE or FALSE: Severe internal bleeding can lead to shock or organ damage if untreated.
Answer Key with Explanations
TRUE – Internal bleeding happens inside the body.
FALSE – Often you cannot see it; symptoms may be hidden.
TRUE – Bruises are a minor form of internal bleeding.
TRUE – Severe cases are medical emergencies.
TRUE – Internal bleeding can occur in many body parts.
TRUE – Trauma like accidents or falls often cause it.
TRUE – Blood thinners increase bleeding risk.
TRUE – Dark or bloody stools are warning signs.
TRUE – Blood loss can cause dizziness or fainting.
TRUE – Big bruises or swelling may signal deeper bleeding.
TRUE – Brain bleeds cause headaches, confusion, or worse.
FALSE – Many cases require hospital care.
TRUE – Follow-up ensures healing is on track.
TRUE – Wound care prevents infection.
TRUE – Handwashing keeps germs away.
TRUE – Heavy strain can worsen bleeding.
TRUE – Fall prevention avoids more injuries.
TRUE – Home health can guide care safely.
TRUE – These are emergencies requiring ER care.
TRUE – Untreated bleeding can cause shock or organ failure.
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911