First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

What does bright red blood that spurts from a wound indicate?

1. Capillary bleeding

2. Hemostasis

3. Venous bleeding

4. Arterial bleeding

The correct answer is: Arterial bleeding

Bright red blood that spurts from a wound is characteristic of arterial bleeding. This type of bleeding occurs when an artery is damaged, resulting in the blood being ejected from the vessel with each heartbeat. The bright red color of the blood is due to its high oxygen content, which is typical for arterial blood. In emergency situations, recognizing the nature of the bleeding is crucial, as arterial bleeding is generally more severe and can lead to rapid blood loss if not addressed immediately. In contrast, capillary bleeding results in a slow, oozing flow of blood from smaller vessels, which often appears darker and is less urgent in terms of blood loss. Venous bleeding causes a steady flow of darker red blood, reflecting lower oxygen levels, and is not typically spurting in nature. Hemostasis refers to the body’s process of stopping bleeding, not a specific type of bleeding itself. Therefore, identifying bright red, spurting blood as a sign of arterial bleeding is critical for providing appropriate first aid interventions.