Epistaxis

Advise patient to tilt head forward, apply pressure to soft part of nose for 20 minutes and encourage patient to spit blood out instead of swallowing

Observations:

Respiratory Rate:

16 breaths/min

SpO₂:

98% on air

Heart Rate:

80 bpm

Blood Pressure:

115/76

Temperature:

36.8

GCS:

15/15

Continued..

Mr. Jamieson reported that the bleeding started an hour ago and he was not able to control the bleeding
He denies any other symptoms apart from a niggling cough and occasionally spitting out some blood
He added that he all the blood he lost was contained within that one towel that he brought along
On examination, you can see a slow ooze from his right nostril
His observations are shown below:

Question:

You proceed to attempt to stop the bleeding, which of the following management plans would be appropriate?

Advise patient to tilt head back, apply pressure to soft part of nose for 5 minutes and encourage patient to spit blood out instead of swallowing
Advise patient to tilt head forward, apply pressure to soft part of nose for 20 minutes and encourage patient to spit blood out instead of swallowing
Advise patient to tilt head forward, apply pressure to soft part of nose for 5 minutes and encourage patient to spit blood out instead of swallowing
Advise patient to tilt head back, apply pressure to soft part of nose for 20 minutes and encourage patient to spit blood out instead of swallowing

Please answer each row

Well done, correct.

Feedback:

Advise patient to tilt head forward, apply pressure to soft part of nose for 20 minutes and encourage patient to spit blood out instead of swallowing