Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What action should a nursing assistant take to control bleeding?

1. Lower the wound below the heart

2. Use a topical antibiotic cream on the wound

3. Hold a thick pad against the wound and press down hard

4. Apply light pressure with a bandage

The correct answer is: Hold a thick pad against the wound and press down hard

The action of holding a thick pad against the wound and pressing down hard is critical in controlling bleeding. This technique applies direct pressure to the injured area, which is essential in promoting clot formation and minimizing blood loss. By using a thick pad, the nursing assistant can effectively absorb blood and provide the necessary pressure to help stop hemorrhaging. In situations of severe bleeding, it is important to control the flow of blood rapidly, as excessive blood loss can lead to serious complications. Direct pressure is one of the most effective methods to achieve this, and maintaining that pressure continuously until help arrives or the bleeding stops is vital. Other options, while they may have their contexts, are not as effective in the immediate management of bleeding. Lowering the wound below the heart can potentially exacerbate bleeding rather than control it. Using a topical antibiotic cream may be appropriate for wound care after bleeding has been controlled, but it is not a method for stopping active bleeding. Applying light pressure with a bandage is also less effective; firm pressure is necessary to ensure adequate hemostasis in situations where bleeding is significant.