New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is the recommended treatment for excessive vaginal bleeding following delivery?

1. Massage the mother's uterus

2. Apply direct pressure to the vagina

3. Hold the mother's legs together

4. Pack the vagina with gauze pads

The correct answer is: Massage the mother's uterus

The recommended treatment for excessive vaginal bleeding following delivery involves massaging the mother's uterus. This action is critical because it helps to stimulate uterine contraction, which plays a vital role in reducing hemorrhage. After delivery, the uterus should contract to its normal size; if it does not, it can lead to uterine atony, which is one of the most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage. By applying gentle pressure to the uterus through abdominal massage, EMTs and healthcare providers can encourage the uterus to contract and thereby control the bleeding. The other options, while they may seem plausible in addressing bleeding, do not effectively target the underlying cause of excessive vaginal bleeding following delivery. Applying direct pressure to the vagina may not adequately control the bleeding that is often due to uterine issues. Holding the mother's legs together would not aid in addressing the source of the hemorrhage; rather, it might restrict necessary observations and interventions. Packing the vagina with gauze pads could increase pressure but carries the risk of infection and does not replace the need for the uterus to contract properly to stop bleeding. Overall, uterine massage is the most direct and effective method to manage this critical postpartum situation.