Which type of bleeding is characterized by bright red blood that flows in spurts?

The characteristic of bright red blood that flows in spurts is indicative of arterial bleeding. This type of bleeding occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body is severed or damaged. Since arteries are under higher pressure compared to veins and capillaries, the blood is ejected from the wound with a pulsating flow that corresponds to the heartbeat, often resulting in spurts that can be seen clearly.

In contrast, capillary bleeding typically presents with a steady oozing of dark red blood due to the lower pressure in capillaries, which are the smallest blood vessels. Venous bleeding, on the other hand, is characterized by a steady flow of dark red blood, as veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart under lower pressure. Pseudocapillary bleeding is not a widely recognized term in medical contexts and does not correspond to a recognized classification of bleeding.

Understanding the distinctions between these types of bleeding is essential for proper assessment and management in emergency situations, as arterial bleeding requires immediate attention due to the potential for rapid blood loss.