Chapter 19 (Epistaxis) Flashcards
1
Q
anterior epistaxis
A
- oozing blood
- bright red blood
2
Q
posterior epistaxis
A
- profuse bleeding
- dark red blood
- gagging
- coughing
- vomiting
3
Q
what are the local epistaxis etiologies?
A
- allergies
- cocaine
- environmental irritants
- foreign bodies
- nasal sprays
- neoplasms
- digital manipulation
4
Q
local epistaxis etiologies
A
- septal deviation or perforation
- sinusitis
- trauma
- upper respiratory infection
- sneezing
5
Q
systemic epistaxis etiologies
A
- anemia
- anticoagulant
- blood dyscrasia
- COPD
- hypertension
a. 3 times more likely to have epistaxis
b. BP will rise during epistaxis
6
Q
what are the signs and symptoms of epistaxis?
A
- blood exuding from nasal cavity
- anterior- ooze and bright red blood
- posterior- profuse and dar red blood
- tend to drain into oral cavity- causing gagging, coughing, and may vomit blood
7
Q
treatment of epistaxis
A
- mechanism of injury and define severity to determine course of action
- wear PPE
- ensure airway, breathing and circulation
- suction oral cavity if necessary
- position upright with head tilted forward
8
Q
treatment of epistaxis
A
- apply direct pressure by pinching lower part of nose for 10-20 mins
- breathe through mouth
- have basin available
- ice pack over bridge of nose
- patient not blow
9
Q
treatment of epistaxis
A
- if bleeding does not stop intact EMS
- cauterization or packing may be necessary
- lab tests may be performed to determine etiology
10
Q
epistaxis prevention
A
- elevate head for 4 hours to prevent reoccurrence
- do not blow for several hours
- avoid heavy lifting and bending at wrist for 24 hours
- use humidifier to prevent dryness
11
Q
prevention of epistaxis
A
- lubricate cream to nostrils 1-3 times daily
- increase water intake
- avoid aspirin
