After packing a junctional wound with gauze, what should be done next?

After packing a junctional wound with gauze, the next appropriate step is to apply a pressure bandage to secure the gauze. This action is crucial because it ensures that the gauze remains in place, effectively controlling bleeding by maintaining direct pressure on the wound. Junctional wounds, which occur in areas of the body where limbs connect to the torso, can produce significant blood loss. Applying a pressure bandage helps to stabilize the dressing and enhances clot formation, ultimately aiding in the patient's recovery.

Securing the gauze also prevents it from shifting or becoming dislodged during movement, which could disrupt any clotting process that has begun. Properly applied, a pressure bandage can help to control bleeding temporarily until emergency medical assistance can take over. This practice aligns with standard first aid protocols, where maintaining pressure on a bleeding wound is critical for preventing further blood loss and managing shock.