What are common signs of internal bleeding?

Bruising, swelling, and pain over vital organs are key indicators of internal bleeding. When bleeding occurs inside the body, it often leads to the accumulation of blood in surrounding tissues, which can result in visible bruising or hematomas. These bruises appear as discolored areas on the skin where blood has leaked from blood vessels into the tissue.

Swelling may occur as a result of inflammation and the body's response to injury, which can also put pressure on nearby structures and lead to pain. Pain over vital organs signifies that there may be significant trauma or injury affecting those areas, which can be indicative of internal bleeding due to factors such as blunt force trauma, fractures, or penetrating injuries.

In contrast, the other options include symptoms that may be associated with various health issues, but they do not specifically indicate internal bleeding. For instance, skin rash and coughing vary widely in causes and do not point to internal bleeding directly. Excessive sweating and nausea can result from numerous factors, including anxiety or gastrointestinal disturbances, rather than being direct signs of bleeding. Finally, headache and fainting can occur for many reasons, including dehydration or neurological conditions, but are not definitive signs of internal bleeding on their own.

This understanding is crucial for EMTs as they assess patients