Major Veins And Arteries And Veins

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Major veins and arteries are located in similar positions deep below skin and muscle tissue, make blood color and rate of bleeding important identifying factors. A few notable arteries and veins are located above the heart and into the neck, with the carotid arteries that pump blood into the brain and the jugular veins that drain blood back to the heart. Several large arteries and veins also flow through the extremities, specifically in the upper arm with brachial arteries and veins and in the upper leg with the femoral artery and vein. These are all connected to large major vessels within the trunk, made up of the upper chest and the upper and lower abdomen. These large vessels connect to those in the extremities and head, as well as circulating through internal organs, and because of this these structures are not only susceptible to external bleeding but internal bleeding as well (786, 811). Internal bleeding is another type of hemorrhage that can occur with hypovolemic shock, and is caused by damage from blunt force brings damage to internal organs or causes blood vessels within the body to rupture, causing blood to escape into the body cavity. Injuries with traumatic force can occur when a victim is in a motor vehicle crash, where force from hitting the steering wheel can cause blunt force to the chest or abdomen or break bones within the body that can damage internal structures. Internal bleeding can also result from an open wound, commonly with penetrative wounds such as with a gunshot or knife stabbing (Red Cross 161). Other notable causes of internal bleeding may be caused by vascular disorders, as with aneurysms (Kolecki “Causes”), that occur when high blood pressure causes arterial wall to weaken and balloon, and possi...

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... possible further blood loss, and to restore body to proper volume of fluids (Kolecki “Emergency Department Care”).

They first stabilize the airway, often putting victim on “high-flow supplemental oxygen” and “ventilator support” when needed. They will then add in an intravenous line, focusing on the central veins located within the arm, however when fluids to these lines are not effective they may also place an Arterial line, especially with severe blood loss. Fluid lines will contain a “lactated Ringer solution” or a normal saline solution, which will help maximize circulation in the body and increase not only capillary exchange but can help stabilize blood volume. If fluid intake is not effective, the emergency department will take steps with blood transfusion or by elevating the patient’s legs to promote blood flowing to the heart and brain (Kolecki, “E.D.C.”).

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