In which circumstance would external bleeding be the least difficult to control?

• A. Lacerated jugular vein; BP 100/60 mm Hg
• B. Lacerated femoral vein; BP 70/40 mm Hg
• C. Lacerated brachial artery; BP 140/90 mm Hg
• D. Lacerated carotid artery; BP 90/50 mm Hg

Answer: (B)

External bleeding is easiest to stop when the source is low-pressure, as veins bleed more steadily and are easier to control with direct pressure than high-pressure arteries. In the scenarios given, arterial injuries (brachial or carotid) produce forceful, pulsatile bleeding that’s hard to control with simple pressure, and neck venous injuries (jugular) still carry higher central venous pressures. The laceration of a femoral vein with a pressure of about 70/40 mm Hg represents the lowest and least-forceful bleed among the options, making direct pressure and wound care more effective. So, a venous injury with low venous pressure—like the femoral vein at 70/40 mm Hg—would be the least difficult to control.