Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

Which material is used to stop bleeding and oozing on surfaces of severed bones?

1. Silicone gels

2. Mixture of waxes

3. Fibrin glue

4. Non-stick dressings

The correct answer is: Mixture of waxes

The most suitable material for stopping bleeding and oozing on the surfaces of severed bones is a mixture of waxes. This choice is particularly beneficial because it creates a physical barrier that can effectively seal the wound and prevent blood loss, thereby supporting hemostasis. The wax mixture can conform to the irregular surfaces of bones, adhering well and providing a protective covering that minimizes further bleeding. Fibrin glue is a medical adhesive made from clotting proteins and can also be used in hemostasis; however, it is more commonly utilized in softer tissues rather than on the hard, irregular surfaces of bones. Non-stick dressings are designed to cover wounds without sticking to the healing tissue, but they do not actively help coagulate blood or seal bleeding surfaces. Silicone gels are typically used for their protective and moisturizing properties but are not appropriate for managing significant bleeding directly on bone surfaces. Thus, the mixture of waxes stands out as the most effective option for controlling bleeding in this specific context.