If a patient is bleeding from a dialysis shunt, what is the first action to take?

When managing bleeding from a dialysis shunt, the most immediate and critical action is to apply direct pressure to the site of the bleeding. This is essential because direct pressure can help to control the hemorrhage and minimize blood loss while the assessment is ongoing. Continuous assessment is vital in this situation to evaluate the effectiveness of the pressure being applied and to monitor the patient's overall condition for any signs of shock or deterioration.

Applying a dressing without first ensuring that the bleeding is controlled may not effectively address the issue, especially if bleeding is profuse. While calling for immediate backup can be important in severe cases, the priority in this situation is to manage the bleeding first. Administering fluids could be necessary later, but it should follow after assessing the bleeding and ensuring the patient is stable enough for fluid resuscitation.

In emergency care, it is crucial to address life-threatening injuries promptly, and controlling active bleeding takes precedence to stabilize the patient.