After positioning a patient with epistaxis, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
a. Apply ice to the nose and eye area.
b. Place warm packs on the nose.
c. Administer oral aspirin.
d. Irrigate the nasal passages with sterile saline.
ANS: A
Ice packs to the nose and eye area may be used to constrict the bleeding vessels. Warmth is a vasodilator; aspirin has antiplatelet action; irrigation can dislodge clots—all can increase bleeding.
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