nose bleeding
Start with the big picture
Most epistaxis begins in the anterior nasal septum, though bleeding can also have systemic or local contributors such as dry air, trauma, infection, medicines that affect the nasal lining or clotting, and coagulopathy. Initial care prioritizes airway, breathing, and circulation, with vital signs and estimated blood loss considered. For first aid, seat the person upright, lean them forward, and apply steady pressure to the soft part of the nose without interrupting it to check too soon. Persistent bleeding may require escalation, while suspected posterior bleeding or signs of instability warrant urgent attention. The full lesson also addresses monitoring, aftercare, recurrence prevention, and the pharmacist’s role in supporting emergency readiness.
What you'll learn
- Define epistaxis and identify its common anterior source.
- Recognize local and systemic factors that may contribute to nosebleeds.
- Describe the initial assessment priorities for a patient with epistaxis.
- Explain the basic first-aid position and nasal-pressure technique.
- Identify situations that may require urgent referral or escalation.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
