Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What should be the immediate action if a patient has an injury with profuse bleeding?

1. Apply pressure and wait for the patient to calm down

2. Apply pressure and call for assistance

3. Leave the patient alone to avoid panic

4. Turn the patient onto their side

The correct answer is: Apply pressure and call for assistance

The immediate action when a patient has an injury with profuse bleeding is to apply pressure and call for assistance. Applying pressure directly to the wound is crucial because it helps to slow down or stop the bleeding. This action can significantly reduce the risk of blood loss and can be a life-saving measure. Calling for assistance is equally important, as it ensures that additional help arrives promptly. Whether it’s another caregiver, a medical professional, or emergency services, having support can make a substantial difference in managing the situation effectively. The combination of applying pressure and seeking help maximizes the chances of stabilizing the patient's condition until professional medical care can take over. In contrast, merely waiting for the patient to calm down without addressing the bleeding poses a dangerous risk, as it does not mitigate the immediate threat to the patient’s health. Leaving the patient alone can increase anxiety and delay necessary interventions, while turning the patient onto their side may not effectively control bleeding and could potentially worsen the injury or create additional complications.