I accidentally cut my wrist. How likely is is that I'll pass out?

[Anonymous]

I wrapped it in gauze, and the cut isn't all that deep. Will I pass out?

[Camilus]

According to the wiki article on hypovolemic shock ( link ), you'd pretty much have to lose ~40% of your blood volume before you take the snooze. Arteries bleed out faster than veins and you have 2 superficial arteries that run along your wrists (that's where they usually take blood for arterial blood gas test from), so don't be a schmuck and cut your wrists anymore.

[Alex_Prower]

Well, considering you cut your wrist and are able to go onto the internet to type a question, I think you'll be just fine. Just put pressure on it. If you feel faint, go lie down and put something somewhat heavy on it to put pressure on it while you rest.

[minda294]

You'll only pass out if you lose too much blood or if you're squeamish. If you start getting light headed and dizzy and the bleeding isn't letting up, go the the hospital to get it checked out. It may be deeper than you think.

[Asker]

Obviously I'll pass out if I loose too much blood. That's common knowledge. Do you think I will lose too much blood?

[minda294]

If it's common knowledge, then why did you ask the question in the first place?

It all depends. Major arteries have a harder time with clotting blood fast enough to stop bleeding. You can either wait and find out yourself, or go to the hospital and get it fixed.

[Asker]

I didn't ask "if I lose too much blood will I pass out?" I asked how likely is it what I'll pass out.

[minda294]

And I replied with a response that gave you a 50/50 answer; you're most likely not going to pass out, but if you did, it would only be because of the two reasons that I stated.

[Kripter]

If it's bleeding a lot, just hold pressure on it with some gauze or a towel. I doubt you'll pass out if it's a tiny cut.

...How do you accidentally cut your wrist to the point you'd have to worry about passing out? >_>

[KindOfAGeek]

I realize that at this point you've either bled out or found out it's not a problem, but for future reference if it is bleeding badly and you don't want to go to a hospital, elevate the bleeding area above your chest (so it's harder for your heart to pump blood there), and apply a lot of pressure on bandages. Then if it doesn't stop bleeding a lot go to a hospital because you are probably in trouble.

[DanielSan]

just keep tight pressure on it. wrap it tight with more gauze

[Anonymous]

most likely not. but how can you accidentally cut your wrist?

[Anonymous]

nope