investigations

Last edited 04/2018 and last reviewed 03/2021

Examination of the nasal passage should be done with a Thudicum nasal speculum under adequate lighting to identify bleeding points (1)

  • if a blood clot is present, advice the patient to blow their nose (with caution) or it can be removed using suction (1)
  • topical sprays containing a combination of anesthetics and vasoconstrictors can be used to control bleeding in order to carry out an adequate physical examination (2)

Laboratory studies are indicated in:

  • patients with severe hemorrhage - full blood count, coagulation studies, blood typing and screening for possible transfusion
  • patients taking warfarin - full blood count, coagulation studies
  • patients with systemic conditions - investigations for hepatic or renal dysfunction (2)

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