Epistaxis Exam 3

Question 1

What is epistaxis ?

Answer 1

• Nosebleeds
• Cause is unknown
• Occurs more in fall and winter

Question 2

What are Anterior Bleeds?

Answer 2

kiesselbach’s plexus or littles area

• Group of arteries located anterior to septal wall
• Close to mucosal surface so broken easily
• Easy to manage

Question 3

What are the Local Epistaxis Etiologies

Answer 3

• Digital Manipulation
• Trauma
• Septal deviation or perforation

Question 3

What are Posterior Bleeds

Answer 3

• Common in Geriatric population
• Occur at woodruffs plexus
• Artieries located superfically, damage
• More difficult to manage

Question 4

What are the systemic Epistaxis Etiologies?

Answer 4

Anemia
Anticoagulant
Arteriosclerosis
Blood dyscrasia
COPD
Hypertension

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of Epistaxis

Answer 5

• Blood coming from the nose
• Anterior- ooze and bright red
• Posterior - profuse and dark red

Question 6

Treatment of Epistaxis

Answer 6

• Identify mechanism of injury and define severity to determine course of action.
• Keep the patient calm
• Ensure circulation airway and breathing
• Have patient breathe through the mouth
• Position upright with head tilted forward
• Possibly suction oral cavity ( if needed)
• Have basin avalible and apply ice over the bridge of the nose

Question 7

When a patient is bleeding from the nose what should you not do?

Answer 7

• Do not let them tilt their head back or lie flat
• Patient should NOT blow

Question 8

What is the technique used with epistaxis?

Answer 8

• Have the patient pinch soft area of the nose shut for 10 minutes. do not peek to see if it is still bleeding before the 10 minutes is up.
• If it does not stop call the EMS

Question 9

What is the prevention of epistaxis ?

Answer 9

• Keep head elevated for four hours to prevent reoccurance
• If pt is on Asprin consult a MD about dose
• Prevent dryness
• Do not blow nose for several hours and avoid heavy lifiting