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Epistaxis (nosebleed)

A chapter-bounded Australian summary of epistaxis (nosebleed), using exact named Queensland PCCM content and any exact national source listed on this page.

JurisdictionAustralia
Source check2026-08-20
Clinical reviewiatroX editorial team · Clinical editorial review · reviewed 2026-08-20 · due 2027-08-20
AudienceHealthcare professionals practising in Australia
This is an iatroX educational summary of named Australia sources, not an official guideline. It does not replace the complete source documents, local policy, specialist advice or clinical judgement. Queensland PCCM epistaxis is a Queensland implementation source. Apply only the cited chapter scope and verify the equivalent state or territory pathway.

Scope

Immediate management of nose bleed under the exact Queensland PCCM adult and child epistaxis chapter. Packing and cautery are restricted to clinicians trained and authorised for those procedures.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM epistaxis

The Bottom Line

  • Most nose bleeds are anterior and can be controlled with uninterrupted compression of the soft nose.
  • Sit the person forward when possible, protect the airway and have blood spat out rather than swallowed.
  • Ask about trauma, foreign body, anticoagulants, bleeding disorder and recurrent unilateral symptoms after initial control.
  • Topical treatment, cautery or packing requires appropriate visualisation, equipment, training and the current local protocol.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM epistaxis

Practical clinical workflow

1
Apply standard precautions, assess airway and circulation and record observations while direct pressure is maintained.
2
In a child with unexplained blood at a nostril, consider a button battery or foreign body and use the urgent removal pathway.
3
If bleeding persists, contact a senior clinician and prepare suction, lighting and local packing equipment within scope.
4
After control, provide prevention and return advice and arrange ENT assessment for recurrent or unexplained unilateral bleeding.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM epistaxis

Safety boundaries and escalation

  • Airway compromise, haemodynamic instability, posterior bleeding or failure of first-line control requires urgent emergency and ENT care.
  • Posterior or balloon packing can compromise airway and damage tissue and requires monitored specialist management.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM epistaxis

Implementation

Queensland PCCM epistaxis is a Queensland source. It supplies an Australian implementation example, not a national rule. Confirm the equivalent pathway, referral destination and medicine policy in the patient’s state or territory. Check current TGA product information for medicines. Offer culturally safe care and use the NACCHO–RACGP National Guide where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventive or chronic-care recommendations differ.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM epistaxis

Clinical use boundary

This independently written summary is not an official guideline. Check the linked source version, current TGA-approved product information where medicines are involved, and the applicable state, territory and local pathway at the point of care.

sources for this section:Queensland PCCM epistaxis

Source documents

Use the linked source documents for complete recommendations, evidence grading, exclusions and implementation detail.

  1. Queensland Health and Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland SectionPrimary Clinical Care Manual, 12th edition: Nose bleed and epistaxis — adult and childISBN 978-1-876560-22-5; Nose bleed and epistaxis — adult and child, pp. 193–196 · 12th edition 2025, v1.03 with updates through 21 July 2026; exact chapter at printed pages 193–196 · accessed 2026-08-20
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