Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What vital sign change would you monitor closely in a patient with potential internal bleeding?

1. Heart rate

2. Temperature

3. Respiratory rate

4. Skin color

The correct answer is: Heart rate

Monitoring heart rate in a patient with potential internal bleeding is critical because changes in heart rate can be indicative of the body's response to blood loss. When there is internal bleeding, the body may compensate for the decreased blood volume by increasing the heart rate in an attempt to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. This compensatory mechanism, known as tachycardia, can be a sign of volume loss and systemic response to shock. Additionally, an elevated heart rate can signal the development of hypovolemic shock, which occurs due to the significant loss of circulating blood volume affecting the cardiovascular system. It is essential to closely observe any significant changes in heart rate, as they can provide important insights into the patient's condition and the effectiveness of any interventions being applied. Temperature, respiratory rate, and skin color are also important vital signs to assess, but they may not offer as immediate insight into internal bleeding as heart rate does. For instance, skin color might change due to shock or a lack of blood flow, but it's often less specific and can vary based on lighting and other external factors. So, in the context of potential internal bleeding, heart rate emerges as the most critical vital sign to monitor closely.