North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What type of bleeding is characterized by a steady and dark red color?

1. Arterial

2. Capiillary

3. Venous

4. Hemorrhagic

The correct answer is: Venous

The type of bleeding characterized by a steady and dark red color is venous bleeding. This type of bleeding occurs when a vein is damaged, allowing blood to escape back through the vein and into the surrounding tissue. Venous blood is typically darker than arterial blood because it has lower oxygen content, which gives it a deep red color rather than the bright red associated with arterial bleeding. The steady flow of blood in venous bleeding is due to the lower pressure within veins compared to arteries, resulting in a more consistent and controlled escape of blood when a vein is punctured or torn. In contrast, arterial bleeding tends to spurt and is bright red because it is under higher pressure and carries oxygenated blood away from the heart. Capillary bleeding is generally slow and oozy, with blood oozing from small vessels and often appearing bright red as well, due to the proximity to the surface of the skin. Hemorrhagic is a broader term that describes excessive bleeding from any source, not specifically referring to the characteristics of the blood itself. Understanding the differences in the appearance and behavior of blood flow from various sources is essential for first responders in managing injuries effectively.