Is the following statement true or false: Once pressure is applied to a main artery, there is no longer a need to elevate or apply direct pressure to the wound?

• A. TRUE
• B. FALSE
• C. Not enough information
• D. It depends on the wound

Answer: (B)

Controlling external bleeding relies on directly addressing the wound with pressure and, when appropriate, elevating the limb. While applying pressure to a main artery might seem to reduce blood flow, that approach is not reliable, easy to maintain, or sufficient by itself to stop bleeding from a wound. Bleeding can continue around the arterial pressure, from other vessels, or even if arterial pressure temporarily reduces flow. Therefore you still apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean dressing and elevate the limb if there’s no contraindication, and you escalate to other measures (like a tourniquet) if bleeding persists. The statement is false.