Which type of bleeding is characterized by a dark red steady flow?

The type of bleeding characterized by a dark red steady flow is venous bleeding. This is because venous blood, which is returning to the heart, is typically deoxygenated and appears dark red, in contrast to arterial blood, which is bright red due to its high oxygen content. Venous bleeding tends to flow steadily and can be described as a trickle or a continuous stream, often from a vein that has been damaged.

Understanding this type of bleeding is critical for assessment and treatment in emergency situations. The steady flow associated with venous bleeding can often lead to significant blood loss if not controlled, but the darker color helps in quickly identifying the type of bleeding that is occurring.

The other types of bleeding do not have these characteristics. For instance, arterial bleeding is bright red and spurting due to the pressure from the heart, while capillary bleeding presents as a oozing from minor cuts and scratches but not in a steady stream like venous bleeding. Internal bleeding is not characterized by a visible flow since it occurs within the body, often leading to other symptoms rather than a straightforward visual assessment.