ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

In case of hemorrhaging from a leg injury, what should a radiographer do first?

1. Apply pressure to the bleeding site

2. Call the emergency department

3. Apply a pressure bandage and complete the examination

4. Both 1 and 2 only

The correct answer is: Call the emergency department

In the scenario of hemorrhaging from a leg injury, the priority is to manage the situation swiftly and effectively to minimize the risk of shock or further injury. The most crucial first step for a radiographer in this situation is to apply pressure to the bleeding site. This action helps to control the bleeding by promoting clot formation, which is vital in preventing excessive blood loss. Calling the emergency department is also important, but it does not address the immediate need to control the bleeding. Time is of the essence when it comes to hemorrhaging, so the direct action of applying pressure takes precedence over making a call. In essence, the combination of applying pressure to the bleeding site and later communicating with emergency medical services is essential. However, the immediate physical response in the context of hemorrhaging must be to stop or slow the blood loss. The correct approach recognizes the necessity of immediate intervention to stabilize the patient before any further actions are taken.