Abnormal findings are charted as a chain — finding, severity, comparison to baseline, the risk it creates, and the skilled action taken.
Epistaxis not controlled after sustained firm pressure, especially on an anticoagulant or with severe hypertension — concerning for a bleed requiring escalation.
A posterior or large-volume bleed, or bleeding with light-headedness or hemodynamic change — an emergency.
A pressure injury of the nares, columella, or behind the ears under the cannula — requiring offloading and treatment (route to Wounds).
Purulent nasal drainage with facial pain, tenderness, and fever, or facial swelling and redness — concerning for sinusitis with possible cellulitis.
A new loss of smell — affecting appetite and safety and warranting evaluation (cross-reference Taste/Swallowing).
Persistent unilateral drainage or obstruction, or a mass — warranting evaluation.
Nasal trauma with deformity or significant bleeding, or a foreign body — requiring evaluation.
Recurrent epistaxis from mucosal dryness — requiring humidification and prevention, particularly on oxygen or anticoagulation.
