Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

True or False: You should perform an early assessment for life-threatening bleeding during the initial impression and the breathing and pulse check.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if the patient is responsive

4. Only if you see obvious signs of bleeding

The correct answer is: True

Performing an early assessment for life-threatening bleeding during the initial impression and while checking for breathing and pulse is vital in Basic Life Support (BLS) scenarios. This process helps ensure that any serious conditions like severe bleeding are identified quickly, enabling timely intervention. During the initial assessment, responders should observe the scene, look for immediate dangers, and quickly determine the patient's level of responsiveness. Checking for breathing and pulse allows the responder to ascertain the patient's vital functions. If life-threatening bleeding is detected during this phase, it can significantly impact the outcomes, as rapid control of bleeding is crucial for survival. As part of a comprehensive assessment, recognizing and addressing major bleeding incidents early on—regardless of the patient's responsiveness or the presence of obvious signs—is essential. Immediate action regarding significant hemorrhages can be life-saving, so integrating this evaluation into the initial steps of BLS is standard practice.