Bleeding from the nose, ear, and mouth Flashcards
What risk is associated with bleeding around the face?
Risk for airway obstruction or aspiration
How should a patient be positioned to maintain a clear airway?
Position the patient appropriately and use suction when indicated
What are some conditions that can result in bleeding from the nose, ears, or mouth?
- Fracture of the base of the skull
- Facial injuries
- Sinusitis
- High blood pressure
- Coagulation disorders
- Digital trauma
- Cancer
What is epistaxis?
Common emergency known as a nosebleed
What can significant blood loss from a nosebleed cause?
Can send a patient into shock
What should be noted about visible blood during a nosebleed?
It may be only a small part of the total blood loss
What happens when a person swallows a large amount of blood?
They may become nauseated and start vomiting the blood
Where do most nontraumatic nosebleeds occur?
From sites in the septum
What is the effective technique to control a nontraumatic nosebleed?
Pinching the nostrils together
What does SKILL DRILL 26-4 illustrate?
Basic techniques to control epistaxis
Fill in the blank: Conditions such as _______ can lead to bleeding from the nose.
[fracture of the base of the skull]
What is the first step to take when managing a nosebleed?
Follow standard precautions
What position should the patient be in to manage a nosebleed?
Sitting, leaning forward, with the head tilted forward
Why is it important to tilt the head forward during a nosebleed?
To stop blood from trickling down the throat or being aspirated into the lungs
What is the preferred method for applying pressure to stop a nosebleed?
Pinching the fleshy part of the nostrils together for at least 15 minutes
What alternative method can be used to apply pressure during a nosebleed?
Placing a rolled 4 x 4-inch gauze bandage between the upper lip and the gum
How can the patient assist in applying pressure with the gauze bandage?
By stretching the upper lip tightly against the rolled bandage and pushing it up into the nose
What should be done if the patient is unable to effectively apply pressure with the gauze?
Use gloved fingers to press the gauze against the gum
What should be maintained until the bleeding is controlled?
Pressure
How long should pressure typically be maintained for a nosebleed?
Usually no more than 15 minutes
What is a common reason for failure to stop a nosebleed?
Releasing the pressure too soon
What should be done if the patient has high blood pressure or is anxious?
Keep the patient calm and quiet
What effect does anxiety have on a patient with a nosebleed?
It tends to increase blood pressure, worsening the nosebleed
