Which statement about capillary bleeding is true?

• A. It is the most dangerous and life-threatening.
• B. It can often be controlled with direct pressure.
• C. It requires immediate surgical intervention.
• D. It never happens.

Answer: (B)

Capillary bleeding is the slow, oozing blood that comes from tiny surface vessels after a minor cut or scrape. This type of bleeding is usually not life-threatening, and the most effective first aid is to apply firm direct pressure with a clean dressing. That pressure helps close those small vessels and supports the formation of a clot, which stops the bleed in most cases. Because of this, the statement that it can often be controlled with direct pressure is the best choice.

By contrast, arterial bleeding is dangerous because it spurts with each heartbeat and requires rapid, advanced intervention; this is not what capillary bleeding looks like. Immediate surgical intervention is rarely needed for capillary bleeding, and saying it never happens is inaccurate since capillary bleeds are common in everyday wounds. If bleeding does not stop after several minutes of steady pressure, or the dressing becomes soaked through, seek further medical care.