When applying a pressure bandage, which practice is recommended?

• A. To stop bleeding, place a sterile dressing over the wound and hold it in place.
• B. Do not remove dressings once applied.
• C. Be sure that the bandage occludes the vessels in the area.
• D. If blood seeps through the first dressing, remove the dressing.

Answer: (B)

When a pressure bandage is used, the goal is to maintain consistent compression and protect the clot that forms under the dressing. The best practice is to leave the dressings in place once they’re applied, even if blood soaks through, and add more sterile dressings on top while continuing to apply pressure with the bandage. Removing the dressings can disturb the clot and restart or worsen bleeding, making it harder to control the bleed. If the dressing becomes soaked, place additional dressings over the first and rewrap to keep pressure, rather than lifting or removing the original setup. Also, ensure the wrap is firm but not so tight that it cuts off circulation, and monitor distal circulation. If bleeding cannot be controlled, seek urgent help.

Replacing or removing dressings, aiming to occlude blood vessels, or removing a dressing when blood seeps through are not recommended, as they can disrupt clot formation and fail to maintain needed pressure.