may be useful for the apprehensive patient Care should be taken with patient positioning as well as with medication administration as brisk epistaxis may result in airway compromise in the supine or sedated patient Topical anesthesia and vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa can be achieved with the use of an atomizer or cotton pledgets soaked with the desired agents ( Table 130.1 ) This will allow better visualization of the interior of the nose and may slow or even stop the bleeding In addition, the topical anesthetic will aid in minimizing the pain associated with instrumentation of the nose Prior to topical medication application, the patient should gently blow their nose to clear mucus, blood, and clot that may be present