What is epistaxis

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Florida Technical College, Jacksonville *

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Health Science

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Feb 20, 2024

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2.4 Assignment Assisting ENT 1. What is epistaxis? Epistaxis (also called a nosebleed) refers to a minor bleeding from the blood vessels of the nose. Epistaxis is a common complaint, especially in emergency medicine related to the treatment of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. Epistaxis more commonly occurs in children (ages 2–10) and older adults (ages 50–80). There are two types of epistaxis depending on their origin: anterior and posterior epistaxis. 2. Explain the primary assessment for a patient with epistaxis. The physical examination should begin with assessment of vital signs, mental status, and airway patency. When examining the nose, a nasal speculum and good light source, such as a head-lamp, are useful. The Kiesselbach plexus should be examined first for bleeding, followed by the vestibule, septum, and turbinates. If a bleeding source cannot be identified in these areas, there is concern for posterior bleeding. If bleeding persists after attempts to control anterior bleeding with compression and packing, management of a possible posterior source should be initiated. 3. What are the main causes of epistaxis in children and adults? Children between the ages of two and 10: Dry air, colds, allergies and sticking fingers and objects into their noses make children more prone to nosebleeds. Adults between the ages of 45 and 80: Blood may take longer to clot in mid-life and in older adults. These adults are also more likely to have high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the walls of arteries) or a bleeding disorder.

Pregnant people: Blood vessels in your nose expand while you are pregnant, which puts more pressure on the delicate blood vessels in the lining of your nose. People taking blood-thinning medications: These drugs include aspirin and warfarin. People who have blood clotting disorders: These include hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. 4. How is epistaxis related to high blood pressure?  The evidence for an association of duration of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy with epistaxis suggests that epistaxis might be a consequence of long-lasting hypertension. They could also observe the presence of enlarged vessels at rhinoscopy in hypertensive patients with a history of epistaxis. 5. What are some supplies that you, as a medical assistant, can anticipate the doctor requesting when treating epistaxis? Tongue blades Cotton balls Tape Nasal speculum Bayonet forceps Frazier suction tip Headlight 0.05% oxymetazoline nasal spray 4% lidocaine spray Silver nitrate sticks Nasal packs—Rapid Rhino QR Nosebleeds Powder Gel foam or Surgical Epistat or Storz T3100 Posterior Nasal Catheter Umbilical clamp Foley catheters—12 F & 14 F 10-mL syringes

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What is epistaxis

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