A young adult is admitted for elective nasal surgery for a deviated septum. Which sign would be an important indicator of bleeding even if the nasal drip pad remained dry and intact?

repeated swallowing

Explanation:

In such a situation the most important indicator for bleeding would be repeated swallowing. This is because the bleeding may be occurring and sliding down the back of the individual's throat which may feel like excess saliva, which in term would cause the individual to swallow repeatedly. In this process, the blood may completely pass the nasal drip pad without ever touching it, thus why it is remaining dry and intact.