Nasal Injuries & Ear Emergencies

Nasal Injuries

Normally result in epistaxis (nosebleed) multiple causes including:

Direct trauma

Nose picking

Blowing nose too hard

Bleeding disorders

Inside of nose being too dry

Some medications increase risk

Child abuse should be considered in nasal fractures

Nasal Injuries - Management

Sit dwn and lean forward

Squeeze soft part of nose for 10 minutes

Advise PT to breathe through mouth

After 10 minutes release pressure to see if bleeding has stopped if continues reapply pressure

If bleeding continues >30 minutes or PT on anticoag transport

Ear Emergencies - Causes

Foreign objects in ears can be hard to remove

Changes to air pressure

Loud noises

Ear Emergencies - S&S

Bleeding or CSF from ear

Bruising or redness

Diziness

Loss of hearing

Nausea and vomiting

Noises in ear

Sensations of object in ear or earache

Swelling

Visible object in ear

Ear Emergencies - Treatment

Cuts on outer ear

Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops

Cover injury with sterile dressing

Apply cold compress over dressing to reduce pain

If part of ear cut off keep and place on ice

Drainage from inside ear:

Cover outside with sterile dressing

Have PT lie on side affected down so can drain consider c-spine

Remove to hospital

Do Not:

Block drainage

Clean or wash inside of ear

Put any liquid in ear

Attempt to remove by probing it will push object further in