Study for the AST Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the medical term for a nosebleed?

  1. Hemorragia

  2. Epistaxis

  3. Rhinorrhea

  4. Choanal atresia

The correct answer is: Epistaxis

The medical term for a nosebleed is epistaxis. This term specifically refers to the bleeding that originates from the nasal cavity, typically occurring when the delicate blood vessels within the nostrils rupture due to various causes such as trauma, dry air, allergies, or nasal infections. Understanding this terminology is crucial for anyone in medical fields, particularly surgical technologists, as it informs conversations around patient symptoms, conditions, and appropriate interventions. The other terms listed pertain to different medical conditions: hemorrhagia refers more broadly to bleeding, rhinorrhea describes a clear nasal discharge, often associated with colds or allergies, and choanal atresia is a congenital condition that affects the nasal passageway. Each of these terms has its own specific meaning and usage, distinguishing it from the term for a nosebleed.