Direct pressure is described as the primary bleeding control method.

• A. Elevation only
• B. Tourniquet first
• C. Hemostatic dressing
• D. Primary bleeding control method

Answer: (D)

Direct pressure is the first-line technique for stopping external bleeding because pressing directly on the wound compresses the injured vessels and promotes rapid clot formation with minimal equipment. This approach works quickly in most cases and is practical in many settings. Elevation can help reduce blood flow, but it isn’t reliable enough on its own to control bleeding, so it should accompany direct pressure rather than replace it. A tourniquet is reserved for severe, life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure, or when direct pressure isn’t feasible. Hemostatic dressings speed clotting but serve as an adjunct to direct pressure, not the sole approach. Describing direct pressure as the primary bleeding control method reflects its role as the initial, most universally effective measure for stopping bleeding.