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NU 407 Respiratory System

Terms in this set (200)

Epistaxis
...
What is Epistaxis?
Acute hemorrhage from the nostril, nasal cavity, or nasal pharynx

*nose bleed
What are the two types of epistaxis?
1. Anterior (90% of cases)
2. Posterior (10% of cases)
With Epistaxis, _____% of nose bleeds are anterior and will stop fairly quickly.
90%
With Epistaxis, _____% of nose bleeds are posterior and may require hospitalization, treatment and monitoring bc of massive bilateral bleeding
10%
Epistaxis can also be either spontaneous or traumatic meaning what?
It can either occur out of no where; "spontaneously"

Or it it often d/t some type of trauma or injury to the nose
What are some various causes of Epistaxis?

"TIME to stop the BLEEDING"
-Trauma: could be from picking, fracture, surgery
-Infection: sinusitis or rhinitis can predispose them to having bleeding issues
-Medications: anticoagulants
-Exogenous agents: snorting substances like cocaine, foreign objects, nasal sprays, dry air
-Bleeding diseases: Von Willebrand, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia
Typically when treating a nose bleed, we start non-medicinal.

What are the Non-Medicinal treatments for Epistaxis?
- Sit down and tilt head forward - we want blood to come out
- Pinch nose for 5-15 minutes
- Breathe through your mouth; don't talk
- Apply ice compresses (if not stopping after 15 min)
If the nose is still bleeding after ____ minutes, we need to incorporate medical interventions.
15 minutes
What are medicinal treatments for epistaxis?
- Nasal Packing: sponges or balloons
- Vasoconstrictor: epi
- Cauterization: silver nitrate or thermal
Nasal packing is typically a....
Compressed sponge or balloon that is inserted into the nasal cavity to provide pressure and stop bleeding
How long will nasal packing for epistaxis generally be left in place?
2-3 days
What are some things to be mindful of with nasal packing for epistaxis?
- Left in place for 2-3 days
- This does impair respiratory status
- This is a sensitive area and it is painful
- This does increase risk for bacterial infections
Nursing interventions for epistaxis:

What are some things to monitor?
Resp status, S&S of infection

*there will likely be an antibiotic ordered
What things should a pt be taught to do / avoid after epistaxis?
Avoid for 4-6 weeks:
- Vigorous nose blowing
- Strenuous activity
- Lifting/straining
- NSAIDs or ASA

also want to:
- Use saline nasal spray (keeps it moist)
- Sneeze with mouth open
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