Which action is recommended for acute epistaxis management when there are no cervical spine concerns?

Which action is recommended for acute epistaxis management when there are no cervical spine concerns?

• A. Pinching the nostrils and leaning forward
• B. Tilting the head back and pinching nostrils
• C. Nose plug and lying down
• D. Breathing through mouth with head turned

Answer: (A)

When a nosebleed occurs and there are no neck or spine concerns, the priority is to stop the bleed while protecting the airway. Press firmly on the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge, as you pinch the nostrils shut. Hold this direct pressure for about 10 minutes without checking too soon. Have the patient lean forward slightly rather than tilting the head back; this directs blood forward and helps prevent swallowing or aspiration. Tilting the head back can cause blood to run into the throat, increasing nausea and the risk of choking, and it doesn’t aid clot formation at the bleeding site. Keeping the patient upright also helps with drainage and monitoring. If bleeding continues after the initial pressure, reassess and pursue additional care as trained.

When a nosebleed occurs and there are no neck or spine concerns, the priority is to stop the bleed while protecting the airway. Press firmly on the soft part of the nose, just below the bony bridge, as you pinch the nostrils shut. Hold this direct pressure for about 10 minutes without checking too soon. Have the patient lean forward slightly rather than tilting the head back; this directs blood forward and helps prevent swallowing or aspiration. Tilting the head back can cause blood to run into the throat, increasing nausea and the risk of choking, and it doesn’t aid clot formation at the bleeding site. Keeping the patient upright also helps with drainage and monitoring. If bleeding continues after the initial pressure, reassess and pursue additional care as trained.