Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What does a capillary bleed typically look like?

1. Rapid, bright red flow

2. Steady, dark red flow

3. Slow, even flow that ranges from dark to intermediate red

4. Spurting, bright red flow

The correct answer is: Slow, even flow that ranges from dark to intermediate red

A capillary bleed is characterized by a slow, even flow of blood that typically appears bright red to intermediate red. This type of bleeding occurs from smaller blood vessels, such as capillaries, which are located just beneath the surface of the skin. Since capillaries are tiny, they do not have the capacity to produce rapid or spurting flows, which are more common in arterial or venous bleeding. The steady nature of this type of bleeding results from the lower pressure in capillaries compared to arteries, allowing for a more controlled and gradual discharge of blood. This can often be managed effectively with direct pressure and will usually stop with appropriate care, as capillary bleeding is generally less severe than other types of bleeding. Understanding the characteristics of different types of bleeding is crucial for effective patient assessment and management in an emergency medical context.