Final answer:
The advised nursing intervention for a patient with epistaxis is to pinch the nostrils together. Leaning slightly forward is also recommended, while tilting the head back is not advised. The nasal passages warm, humidify the air, and help prevent lung damage, infection, and decrease breathing sensitivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing Interventions for Epistaxis
In the scenario where a patient develops epistaxis, which is a nosebleed, the advisable nursing intervention would be c) Pinch the nostrils together. Pinching the nostrils applies pressure to the septum and can help to control the bleeding. It is also recommended that the patient be instructed to lean slightly forward to prevent swallowing of blood which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Applying a cold compress to the nose or cheek area may help to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. Administering a nasal decongestant is not the first-line intervention for epistaxis; it may be considered after the bleeding has stopped, only if congestion is present and is part of the contributing factors. The action of tilting the head backward is not advisable because it can cause blood to flow down the throat.
Function of the Nasal Passages
Regarding the function of the nasal passages, the correct answer is d) all of the above. Air is warmed and humidified in the nasal passages, which helps to ward off infection, decrease sensitivity during breathing, and prevent damage to the lungs.
The epiglottis plays a separate role by deflecting impurities out of the trachea and directing them into the esophagus, while the nasal cavity specifically warms and moistens the air we breathe.