New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

For a patient presenting with heavy vaginal bleeding, what should you do?

1. Administer high-flow oxygen, perform detailed assessment, and transport

2. Administer high-flow oxygen, place her on her side, and transport

3. Administer high-flow oxygen, keep warm, elevate, and transport

4. Assist ventilations, do a rapid assessment, and transport

The correct answer is: Administer high-flow oxygen, keep warm, elevate, and transport

In the case of a patient presenting with heavy vaginal bleeding, the correct response involves administering high-flow oxygen, keeping the patient warm, elevating the legs if possible, and transporting them promptly. Administering high-flow oxygen is vital in cases of potential hypovolemia due to blood loss, as it helps to improve tissue oxygenation and support vital organ function. Maintaining the patient's warmth is also critical; hypothermia can worsen a patient's condition and complicate treatment. Elevating the legs can help improve venous return to the heart, possibly stabilizing blood pressure in the face of significant blood loss. These interventions target both the immediate effects of severe bleeding and physiological responses to shock, creating a more comprehensive approach to patient care. Transporting the patient to a medical facility promptly is essential, given that they may require advanced interventions such as fluid resuscitation or surgical intervention to address the bleeding.