As a midlevel practitioner providing wound care in a variety of rural areas, I have rediscovered the old adage that “All bleeding stops, eventually.” When bleeding is spewing in a pulsating manner or just gently puddling in a wound bed, pressure is the key to making it stop. Don’t take a quick peek every few seconds. Hold firm pressure for a few minutes before easing back the gauze for evidence of further bleeding. Failure to do so can dislodge the clot that is attempting to form.—LISA JOHNSON, APRN, CNS, Okmulgee, Okla. (217-4)
These are letters from practitioners around the country who want to share their clinical problems and successes, observations and pearls with their colleagues. We invite you to participate. If you have a clinical pearl, submit it here.
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