What is an appropriate action for caring for a laceration?

Applying direct pressure to stop bleeding is an essential action when caring for a laceration. This technique helps control blood loss and promotes clotting. When a laceration occurs, blood vessels can be damaged, leading to bleeding. By applying firm and continuous pressure directly on the wound, you assist the body’s natural healing process and reduce the risk of shock due to significant blood loss.

Additionally, managing the bleeding first is crucial before considering other treatment steps, such as cleaning or dressing the wound. Ensuring that bleeding is controlled also prepares the injured area for further care, such as infection prevention and proper wound closure if necessary. While it is important to protect the wound after controlling bleeding, direct pressure is always the priority to stabilize the patient's condition.