Etymed
hemostasis
Definition
The process of stopping or controlling bleeding through the clotting of blood
Clinical context
A 25-year-old trauma patient presents with significant bleeding from a laceration on the forearm after a motor vehicle accident. Despite direct pressure, the bleeding continues profusely. The patient's blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg and heart rate is 120 bpm. Emergency department staff recognize that the patient's hemostasis mechanisms are overwhelmed by the extent of vascular damage and blood loss.
Mnemonic
Hemostasis = Hemorrhage stoppage - HEMO (blood) + STASIS (stopping)