Question

Mr. Sherwood is a 27-year-old male who had a fractured nose and is recovering from a rhinoplasty. He has a moustache dressing in place that is dry and intact. The nurse observes that the patient is swallowing repeatedly.

1. What complication does the nurse anticipate?
2. What equipment does the nurse need to assess Mr. Sherwood?

Mr. Sherwood is concerned because his nose keeps bleeding. He asks the nurse, “Can you tell me again what I can do to keep my nose from bleeding?”

3.How should the nurse respond to Mr. Sherwood’s question?

Answer 1

While performing a rhinoplasty, there is always a risk of internal bleed or septal perforation. Since, Mr Sherwood has a moustache dressing in place that is dry and intact but he is swallowing something repeatedly, she must examine the throat for bleeding immediately.

The nurse will simply use a flashlight to look in the back of the throat of the patient.

There are some ways to stop nose bleeding post rhinoplasty which can be suggested by the nurse to Mr Sherwood. For example if Mr Sherwood experiences plentiful bleeding post operation, he must lie down immediately in such a position that his head is elevated by a support let say a number of pilows. Also, nasal decongestants like Afrin can stop nasal bleeding apparently.