Bleeding

Disease	Injury	Nutrition	Poison

Special Topic	Surgery	Symptoms	Test

Stopping bleeding with direct pressure

Stopping bleeding with a tourniquet

Stopping bleeding with pressure and ice

Bleeding

Alternative Names:

Blood loss; Open injury bleeding

Symptoms:

Blood coming from an open wound
Bruising
Shock
Paleness
Clammy skin
Dizziness or light-headedness after an injury
Rapid pulse, increased heart rate
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Confusion or decreasing alertness
Weakness

Internal: any of the above, plus:

Abdominal pain
Swollen abdomen
Signs of shock (see above)
External bleeding through a natural opening
- Blood in the stool (appears black, maroon, or bright red)
- Blood in the urine (appears red, pink, or tea-colored)
- Vaginal bleeding (heavier than usual or after menopause)
- Blood in the vomit (looks bright red, or brown like coffee-grounds)

Review Date: 5/2/2002
Reviewed By: Julie A. Miller, M.D., Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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