Signs and Symptoms of Internal Bleeding

Question 1

What is the most common symptom of internal bleeding?

Answer 1

Pain

Question 2

What generally indicates significant internal bleeding?

Answer 2

Swelling in the area of bleeding

Question 3

In which types of injuries is internal bleeding most common?

Answer 3

Head, extremity, and pelvic injuries

Question 4

What are common symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding?

Answer 4

Pain and abdominal distention

Question 5

What symptoms may occur with bleeding into the chest cavity or lung?

Answer 5

Dyspnea, tachycardia, hemoptysis, hypotension

Question 6

What is a hematoma?

Answer 6

A mass of blood that has collected in the soft tissues beneath the skin

Question 7

What could be the only sign of severe pelvic or abdominal trauma?

Answer 7

Redness, skin abrasions, or pain

Question 8

True or False: Bleeding from any body opening is serious.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What does bright red bleeding from the mouth or rectum suggest?

Answer 9

Serious internal injury or disease

Question 10

What is hematemesis?

Answer 10

The vomiting of blood

Question 11

What is melena?

Answer 11

Black, foul-smelling, tarry stool that contains digested blood

Question 12

What are signs of internal bleeding in an extremity?

Answer 12

Pain, tenderness, bruising, guarding, or swelling

Question 13

What could broken ribs and bruises over the lower chest indicate?

Answer 13

A lacerated spleen or liver

Question 14

What is referred pain in the right shoulder indicative of?

Answer 14

Injury to the liver

Question 15

What is the first sign of hypovolemic shock?

Answer 15

Change in mental status

Question 16

What are early signs of hypovolemic shock in nontrauma patients?

Answer 16

Weakness, faintness, or dizziness on standing

Question 17

What changes in skin color are often seen with severe bleeding?

Answer 17

Pallor (pale skin)

Question 18

List later signs of hypovolemic shock suggesting internal bleeding.

Answer 18

• Tachycardia
• Weakness, fainting, or dizziness at rest
• Thirst
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cold, moist (clammy) skin
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Dull eyes
• Slightly dilated pupils that are slow to respond to light
• Capillary refill time longer than 2 seconds in infants and children
• Weak, rapid (thready) pulse
• Decreasing blood pressure
• Altered level of consciousness

Question 19

What is the recommended action for patients with signs of significant MOI?

Answer 19

Prompt transport to a trauma center