What is the initial management of epistaxis when there is no suspected spinal injury?

Enhance your trauma care skills with the Platinum Trauma Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare now!

Multiple Choice

What is the initial management of epistaxis when there is no suspected spinal injury?

The main idea is to control the bleed with direct nasal pressure while protecting the airway. With no suspected spinal injury, have the person sit up and lean forward slightly to prevent blood from running down the throat. Then pinch the soft part of the nose with the fingers for about 5 to 10 minutes to form a clot at the bleeding site. Leaning forward helps avoid aspiration, while leaning backward can cause blood to be swallowed or aspirated. Blowing the nose forcefully is not helpful and can restart bleeding. A nasal tampon or packing isn’t the initial step and is used if bleeding continues after pressure or for certain types of epistaxis. If bleeding persists after holding pressure, seek further care for additional treatment options.

The main idea is to control the bleed with direct nasal pressure while protecting the airway. With no suspected spinal injury, have the person sit up and lean forward slightly to prevent blood from running down the throat. Then pinch the soft part of the nose with the fingers for about 5 to 10 minutes to form a clot at the bleeding site. Leaning forward helps avoid aspiration, while leaning backward can cause blood to be swallowed or aspirated. Blowing the nose forcefully is not helpful and can restart bleeding. A nasal tampon or packing isn’t the initial step and is used if bleeding continues after pressure or for certain types of epistaxis. If bleeding persists after holding pressure, seek further care for additional treatment options.

More practice questions