You have been dispatched to a residence where a woman lacerated her arm after falling while holding a drinking glass. She informs you that when she was first cut, blood spurted from the wound, and then within a second or two, it subsided to a mere trickle. She asks why this would happen. Which one of the following is the correct response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When blood vessels are injured, the body's natural response is to constrict the vessels to slow down or stop bleeding in order to prevent significant blood loss. This is known as vasoconstriction and can occur within a second or two of the injury. Clotting factors in the blood then work to form a thrombus or clot, which helps to seal the injury site and prevent further bleeding. Red blood cells and skin do not repair blood vessels; rather, they play different roles in the healing process.

You Have Been Dispatched to a Residence Where a Woman