In an emergency setting, if someone has persistent epistaxis, what is a potential subsequent step?

In the case of persistent epistaxis, or nosebleeds that do not resolve spontaneously, it is essential to manage the bleeding effectively to prevent complications such as hypovolemia or shock. One of the most immediate and practical steps in this situation is to attempt nasal packing. This method helps control the bleeding by applying pressure directly to the source of the bleeding within the nasal cavity, allowing blood vessels to constrict and form clots.

Nasal packing can also be crucial in calming the patient and providing an initial control measure before more definitive treatments are considered or before surgical intervention, if necessary. This step is particularly important in an emergency setting where time is of the essence, and managing bleeding quickly can significantly improve outcomes.

The other options present broader approaches that may not be immediately relevant or appropriate for the initial management of persistent epistaxis. Seeking a surgical consult or performing a blood transfusion typically becomes relevant only if the patient is showing signs of significant blood loss or other complications, and those actions would likely come after initial measures like nasal packing have been attempted. Providing intravenous fluids might be necessary if the patient is in shock or severely dehydrated, but for the immediate step in addressing epistaxis, nasal packing is the most direct and effective intervention.