Biomed: Internal Bleeding and Circulatory System Trauma

What is the leading cause of internal bleeding?

Blunt trauma

List two examples of events that can cause blunt trauma.

Falls, Motor-vehicle

What is the opposite of blunt trauma?

Penetrating trauma

Give two examples of penetrating trauma injuries.

Gunshot wounds, stab wounds

What does the term distended abdomen mean?

Enlarged belly cause by rapid accumulation of blood

Why might a medical professional suspect internal bleeding?

Enlarged belly can indicate distended abdomens

List the three main components of the circulatory system.

Heart, blood vessels, blood

What are the three major types of blood vessels in the body?

Arteries, veins, capillaries

Define perfusion.

The delivery of oxygenated blood to tissues, organs, and cells

What is another name for hypoperfusion?

Shock

Which three organs are most sensitive to inadequate perfusion?

Brain, spinal cord, kidneys

A patient has bright red blood that spurts out with each heartbeat.

• What type of bleeding is this?

• Why does it appear bright red?

External bleeding, it is still rich in oxygen

Why can venous bleeding sometimes lead to an embolism?

Why can venous bleeding sometimes lead to an embolism?

A patient is taking Coumadin (a blood thinner) and gets a small cut while cooking.

Why could this injury become more dangerous for this patient than for someone not taking

the medication?

Medication makes it harder and slower for blood to clot

An adult loses 1 liter of blood quickly in an accident.

Explain two reasons why this situation could quickly become life‐threatening.

Heart cannot pump enough blood, severe oxygen deprivation

A patient shows the following symptoms:

• Confusion

• Pale, cool skin

• Rapid breathing

What condition might the patient be experiencing, and why do these symptoms occur?

Shock occurs when tissues lack oxygenated blood; the body restricts flow to skin to prioritize vital organs while accelerating breathing to compensate for the shortage.