First arterial bleed

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

I have been an RN for almost 9 months and this eve shift I experienced my fisrt arterial bleed.

Pt had two decubs. Dressing change is BID. I had the pt yesterday and did dressing changes w/ no problem.

This eve however - whole new situation.

I had the aid assisting to hold pt while I unpack the ischeal wound. The packed gauze had zero discoloration, but as soon as I removed it - bright red blood came sprurting out. I immediately replaced and held some pressure but the bleeding did not stop.

Another RN called the MD as I held pressure. I kept adding abd pads while holding pressure and blood was still leaking out!

MD ended up calling surgeon - who put a couple stitches in the artery.

I had no idea that a pressure ulcer could do this!

Still learning everyday......while trying to remain calm.:nuke:

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Specializes in ER.

It was a surprise party, held just for you!

Too bad the CNA didn't have any of those horns to blow. (SURPRISE!!!)

OK, bad joke, but I can just picture the blood spurting...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...you get the picture.

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Specializes in Geriatric, Medical/Surgical.

I'm glad you posted this, because I've had several patients with pretty bad stage IVs, and NEVER considered that this might happen to me! I expect some bleeding at times, but not like that!

At least now if it DOES happen, I can think back to this and maybe handle the situation a little better than I would have if I was in total shock! Thank you!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Wow, I had no idea this could happen. Thank you for sharing your experience!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ICU.
It was a surprise party, held just for you!

Too bad the CNA didn't have any of those horns to blow. (SURPRISE!!!)

OK, bad joke, but I can just picture the blood spurting...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...ptooey...you get the picture.

I needed a laugh after a long day:lghmky:

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Specializes in Ortho, Case Management, blabla.

Too bad the CNA didn't have any of those horns to blow. (SURPRISE!!!)

:chuckle

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Gosh -- where was the pressure ulcer located? What stage exactly?

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Specializes in NICU.

Sounds like you did a fantastic job at handling the situation!! Good job :)

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