The LPN/LVN carries out the teaching plan for a client undergoes nasal surgery. The LPN/LVN instructs the client not to blow the nose after surgery. The client asks the LPN/LVN to explain why. Which explanation by the LPN/LVN is most appropriate?1. "Blowing your nose will increase intracranial pressure."

2. "Blowing your nose will decrease the oxygen available to your body."

3. "Blowing your nose may cause bruising and edema."

4. "Blowing your nose may cause a fracture."

Answer is option (3).

"Blowing your nose may cause bruising and edema."

Explanation:

Nasal surgeries like septoplasty, rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, etc are usually performed to improve breathing, repair nasal injuries, correct deformities, change the size or shape of the nose, correct sinus problems, etc.

After the surgery, the patient must follow certain instructions for at least 10 days. The instructions are;

Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks as it may cause bleeding or increase swelling in the operated area. Avoid nose blowing after surgery as it may cause bleeding and spreading of infection into the eye. When the patient blows the nose after nasal surgery, the sinus pressure increases and results in increased pressure on the operative site which may cause bruising and edema. But it does not increase intracranial pressure or cause a fracture or decrease oxygen availability. Apply nasal saline sprays on each nostril frequently as it keeps the nose clean and clears all debris (dried blood) and maintains moisture in the nose. Also, the clearing of nasal passage results in increased oxygenation. Use nasal decongestants to reduce the swelling in the nose.