How should a four-inch compress be used?

How should a four-inch compress be used?

• A. Press and hold on wound to control flow of blood
• B. Apply to forehead
• C. Apply to ankle
• D. Tap wound

Answer: (A)

Direct pressure on a bleeding wound using a four-inch compress is the first step to control bleeding. Place the compress directly over the wound and press firmly with the palm or fingers, holding it in place to compress the blood vessels and encourage clotting. Do not lift the dressing to “check”; if the compress soaks through, add another layer on top and continue applying pressure. Keep applying pressure until the bleeding slows or stops, and seek additional medical help if it remains uncontrollable or if the injury is severe. Applying the compress to the forehead or ankle isn’t addressing the bleeding at the wound site, and tapping the wound would only irritate it and worsen bleeding. The essential idea is direct, steady pressure to stop the flow.

Direct pressure on a bleeding wound using a four-inch compress is the first step to control bleeding. Place the compress directly over the wound and press firmly with the palm or fingers, holding it in place to compress the blood vessels and encourage clotting. Do not lift the dressing to “check”; if the compress soaks through, add another layer on top and continue applying pressure. Keep applying pressure until the bleeding slows or stops, and seek additional medical help if it remains uncontrollable or if the injury is severe.

Applying the compress to the forehead or ankle isn’t addressing the bleeding at the wound site, and tapping the wound would only irritate it and worsen bleeding. The essential idea is direct, steady pressure to stop the flow.