The resident returning to the nursing home after a cardiac angiogram suddenly develops the following signs and symptoms: a pool of blood at the right groin site with active bleeding, BP 88/50, HR 100, and RR 28. Which action should the nursing assistant take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nursing assistant observes that the resident is having an active hemorrhage and is experiencing signs and symptoms of shock. The first action the nursing assistant should take is to apply direct pressure at the site of the bleeding groin with the available gauze, using a gloved hand to prevent contact with bloodborne pathogens. Then the nursing assistant can call for help immediately and ensure to make the bed flat and raise the foot of the bed higher than the heart level to help decrease the bleeding. Covering with a blanket to help keep the resident warm can be performed after the other measures have been taken. The nursing assistant may need help from arriving health care providers to cover the resident with the blanket, since the nursing assistant is applying direct pressure and it will be difficult to cover a person with the other hand.

The Resident Returning to the Nursing Home After a Cardiac