The nurse is caring for a patient who develops epistaxis. Which ...

[sam.t96]

The nurse is caring for a patient who develops epistaxis. Which nursing intervention is advisable?
 
  1. Have the client lie supine and place ice packs to his forehead.
  2. Have the client tilt his head forward and apply pressure by pinching the nares toward the septum.
  3. Apply heat to the client's nose.
  4. Have the client tilt his head back and hold pressure to his nose by pinching the nares toward the septum.

Question 2

The client with chronic rhinitis asks the nurse why nasal spray cannot be used as often as needed. What should the nurse respond to this client?
 
  1. Continuous use of nasal spray causes nosebleeds.
  2. Prolonged use of nasal spray dries the nasal mucosa.
  3. Continuous use causes rebound congestion, which increases frequency of use.
  4. Too much medication is absorbed through the mucosa and has a systemic effect on the circulation.

[djpooyouma]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2

1. A sitting, not supine, position decreases blood flow to the head.
2. Leaning forward drains blood into the nasopharynx and reduces the chance of swallowing blood. Applying pressure at the nares reduces bleeding.
3. Ice packs to the nose and forehead cause vasoconstriction, helping to reduce bleeding. 4. Leaning forward drains blood into the nasopharynx and reduces the chance of swallowing blood.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3

1. Use of nasal sprays does not cause nosebleeds.
2. Nasal sprays do not dry the nasal mucosa.
3. Rebound congestion can occur when decongestant nasal sprays are used for more than 3-5 days. Increased congestion results in excessive and more frequent use of the nasal spray.
4. The fear of systemic absorption is not valid with the use of nasal sprays.