A wheelchair transport driver has called 911 after transporting a 68-year-old man from a dialysis center back to his residential care home. The patient has a blood-soaked bandage on his right forearm and states, "My fistula has been bleeding since I left dialysis. I can't get it to stop!" You should:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Applying firm, direct pressure over the fistula with a gloved hand is the best course of action in this scenario. This will help slow or stop the bleeding and prevent further blood loss while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Lifting the bandage to ascertain the source of bleeding could cause further trauma and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Applying a tourniquet or pressure to the brachial artery pressure point is not appropriate in this situation, as it may cause further damage to the fistula or restrict blood flow to the arm.

A Wheelchair Transport Driver Has Called 911 After Transporting a 68-Year-Old