Question

A 55 year old man comes to the health nurse at his place of work with epistaxis. He reports he has frequent nosebleeds hat he can usually control himself what would be the most helpful assessment after the nurse has stopped the bleeding?

Answer 1

After halting the bleeding from a nosebleed, assessing for potential causes such as high blood pressure, clotting disorders, and environmental factors is essential. This involves reviewing medical history, current medications, and possibly a physical examination of the nasal cavity.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a 55-year-old man comes to the nurse with epistaxis (nosebleeds) that are frequent but usually self-controlled, the most helpful assessment after stopping the bleeding would be to determine potential causes. This includes assessing for any contributing factors such as high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, medications that might affect clotting, or other underlying health conditions. A review of the patient's medical history, especially pertaining to cardiovascular and hematological health, and any current medications, is crucial. Additionally, the environment at his workplace should be considered; for example, if it is excessively dry, this could be a contributing factor to the frequency of his nosebleeds.

An examination of the nasal cavity for any abnormalities or signs of chronic irritation should also be performed. If the nosebleeds are found to be associated with systemic health issues, appropriate referrals and interventions should be initiated. In the case of persistent or severe epistaxis, further investigation by an otolaryngologist may be warranted.