Question

Which assessment finding puts a client at increased risk for epistaxis?

a) Cocaine use
b) History of nasal surgery
c) Use of a humidifier at night
d) Hypotension

Answer 1

Cocaine use leads to vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure, which puts an individual at higher risk for epistaxis or nosebleeds. Using a humidifier and increased fluid intake, on the other hand, are recommended to reduce the risk of nasal bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding that puts a client at increased risk for epistaxis is cocaine use. Cocaine use leads to vasoconstriction, which is likely to increase blood pressure. The elevated blood pressure strains the vessels in the nasal mucosa, making them more prone to rupture and bleeding. Therefore, cocaine use is the factor that puts the individual at the highest risk for nosebleeds, not the use of a humidifier at night, a history of nasal surgery, or hypotension.

Conversely, the use of a humidifier at night and increased fluid intake are generally recommended practices when dealing with nasal congestion during situations like pregnancy, specifically because they help keep the nasal passages moist and reduce the risk of epistaxis, particularly in cold and dry weather conditions.