Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What should be done if bleeding persists from a clamped cord?

1. Apply ice to the area

2. Clamp again

3. Perform a vaginal exam

4. Administer medication

The correct answer is: Clamp again

When dealing with persistent bleeding from a clamped cord, clamping again is a reasonable and appropriate response. Applying additional clamps can help to create a tighter seal, potentially stopping the bleeding by effectively reducing blood flow through the umbilical vessels. This is especially crucial in a neonatal or obstetric emergency where rapid control of the hemorrhage is necessary. Applying ice, performing a vaginal exam, or administering medication are not direct interventions aimed at controlling bleeding from the umbilical cord. Ice might be used for other types of injuries to help reduce swelling, but it is not effective for managing bleeding in this specific context. A vaginal exam could be relevant if assessing for other sources of bleeding, but it wouldn't directly address the issue at hand. Medication could be indicated in various situations in obstetrics, but it wouldn't provide an immediate solution for controlling a bleeding cord. Thus, re-clamping the cord is the most immediate and effective intervention in this scenario.