Surrounding Swelling in Surgery — 24yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#12003
SMLE Question #12003
Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 24-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 20 minutes after a deep laceration to his right forearm from sheet metal at a construction site. Bleeding has continued despite gauze and direct pressure applied by bystanders. He is alert and anxious. Examination shows active bleeding soaking through the dressing with surrounding swelling; distal pulses are present but weak. What is the most appropriate initial step in management?
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