A pre-hospital team is called to a 25-year-old female who has deliberately cut her wrists. She has a deep laceration to the left wrist with active art...

Question

A pre-hospital team is called to a 25-year-old female who has deliberately cut her wrists. She has a deep laceration to the left wrist with active arterial bleeding. Her radial pulse is absent on the left. She is distressed but cooperating with treatment. What immediate management takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Direct pressure and wound packing to control haemorrhage - life-threatening bleeding takes priority over mental health assessment; simultaneous calm, compassionate communication should accompany physical treatment

Answer

Documenting her mental state before controlling the bleeding

Answer

Mental health assessment before any physical treatment

Answer

Applying a tourniquet to the upper arm immediately

Answer

Restraining the patient before approaching the wound

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Self-Harm with Arterial Bleeding

A pre-hospital team is called to a 25-year-old female who has deliberately cut her wrists. She has a deep laceration to the left wrist with active arterial bleeding. Her radial pulse is absent on the left. She is distressed but cooperating with treatment. What immediate management takes priority?