What is a primary use of TXA in tactical medicine?

The primary use of TXA, or tranexamic acid, in tactical medicine is to enhance blood clotting. TXA works by inhibiting the breakdown of fibrin, a crucial component of blood clots, which helps to stabilize clots that have formed and allows for greater retention of blood volume in a patient who is experiencing traumatic bleeding. By promoting clot formation and reducing the risk of hemorrhagic shock, TXA can significantly improve survival rates in casualties experiencing significant blood loss on the battlefield.

The other options, while related to patient care, do not directly pertain to the primary function of TXA. Relieving pain typically involves the use of analgesics, reducing swelling may involve anti-inflammatory medications, and hydration is typically managed through IV fluids or oral rehydration solutions, rather than TXA, which specifically targets coagulopathy in trauma patients.