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The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a patient who received treatment in the Emergency Department for epistaxis. Which of the following statements is correct?

A. The patient should tilt the head backward to reduce bleeding.
B. Nasal packing should be removed after 24 hours.
C. The patient should blow the nose vigorously to clear any clots.
D. Using aspirin is recommended for pain relief.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The statement about tilting the head backward is incorrect; patients should lean forward to reduce epistaxis bleeding. Aspirin should be avoided as it can increase bleeding time by interfering with platelet function. Nasal packing removal and nose blowing should follow healthcare provider instructions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement regarding discharge instructions for a patient who has been treated for epistaxis is that the commonly held belief to tilt the head backward is actually incorrect, as this can lead to swallowing of blood and potential respiratory complications. Instead, the appropriate action is to lean forward to prevent blood from going down the throat. It should be noted that using aspirin is not recommended for pain relief in this scenario because aspirin interferes with platelet function and can prolong bleeding time. Aspirin does this by blocking thromboxane A2 which normally aids in platelet aggregation, thus increasing the potential for continued or exacerbated bleeding.

Nasal packing, if placed, should not necessarily be removed after 24 hours; the timing can vary based on the clinical scenario and should follow the instructions of the healthcare provider. Vigorous blowing of the nose should also be avoided to prevent disruption of any clots that have formed, which could lead to additional bleeding. Therefore, options B and C are also incorrect.

User Amal G Jose
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