When observing for signs of hemorrhage, what should be monitored?

Monitoring for signs of hemorrhage involves assessing a variety of physical signs and symptoms that indicate a loss of blood volume and could put the patient at risk for complications. Distention, swelling, and bleeding are critical signs that should be observed during this assessment.

Distention can suggest internal bleeding, particularly in the abdominal cavity where blood may accumulate and cause the abdomen to appear swollen. Swelling may also indicate localized bleeding in areas where trauma has occurred. Bleeding is a direct and clear sign of hemorrhage, whether it is visible (external) or indicates internal bleeding which may not be immediately apparent. Collectively, these signs provide valuable information about the patient's hemodynamic status and can help guide immediate clinical intervention.

In contrast, focusing solely on skin temperature, heart rate, or eye movement would not provide a comprehensive assessment for hemorrhage. While heart rate can be an important indicator of blood loss—potentially rising in response to decreased blood volume—relying on it alone would overlook other critical signs of hemorrhage. Similarly, monitoring only skin temperature or eye movement would not yield relevant information regarding bleeding and could lead to missed diagnoses or delayed treatment.