Hemostatic gauze should be applied with a minimum of how many minutes of direct pressure?

• A. 1 minute
• B. 3 minutes
• C. 5 minutes
• D. 2 minutes

Answer: (B)

Apply firm direct pressure for a sustained period—about three minutes—after packing with hemostatic gauze. This gives the gauze’s agent time to promote clot formation under continuous compression, helping to seal the bleed. Shorter times often aren’t enough to achieve hemostasis in significant wounds, while three minutes is generally sufficient; if bleeding persists, keep applying pressure, add more gauze, and reassess for further interventions as needed.