TCRN Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep for Your Test

Applying direct pressure to control bleeding is the priority intervention for a patient with a scalp laceration. In trauma care, the immediate goal is to stop any active bleeding to prevent further blood loss and stabilize the patient. The scalp has a rich blood supply, and lacerations can bleed profusely. By applying direct pressure to the wound, blood flow to the area is decreased, which helps to promote clotting and manage the hemorrhage effectively.

While other options like initiating an intravenous catheter or obtaining a type and screen are important in the overall management of trauma patients, they do not address the immediate need to control active bleeding. Transporting the patient to radiology may be necessary if imaging is required, but it should not take precedence over establishing hemostasis. The primary focus must remain on direct pressure at the site of injury when dealing with significant bleeding, as this intervention is critical to the patient's immediate survival and stability.