Which of the following is a sign associated with life-threatening bleeding?

• A. Pulsing or steady bleeding
• B. Itching
• C. Normal skin color
• D. Sneezing

Answer: (A)

Recognizing life-threatening bleeding means spotting heavy external bleeding that won’t stop with simple measures. Pulsing or spurting bleeding is the hallmark of arterial injury and shows blood is being pumped out with each heartbeat, which can lead to rapid blood loss if not controlled. Even heavy, steady bleeding is dangerous because the volume can be substantial and cause rapid deterioration if not promptly managed. Itching, normal skin color, or sneezing aren’t indications of severe hemorrhage and don’t signal a life-threatening bleed. So the sign tied to life-threatening bleeding is bleeding that is pulsing or steady.