Antonia Chaley, age 6, experiences frequent epistaxis, particularly in cold, dry weather. What is the first aid action?

Antonia Chaley, age 6, experiences frequent epistaxis, particularly in cold, dry weather. What is the first aid action?

• A. Pack the nose with tissue or cotton balls.
• B. Blow the nose gently and repeatedly until the bleeding stops.
• C. Pinch both nostrils closed just below the nasal bone and hold for 10 to 15 minutes.
• D. Tilt the head back and hold the bridge of the nose.

Answer: (C)

When a child has a nosebleed, the first thing to do is apply steady direct pressure to the bleeding site. Pinch the soft part of the nose shut by pressing on the nostrils just below the nasal bones with a firm grip, and keep that pressure for about 10 to 15 minutes without releasing to give the blood a chance to clot. It’s best to have the child sit up and lean forward slightly so blood drains out of the nose rather than back down the throat, which can irritate the stomach or cause coughing. This approach targets the common source of anterior nosebleeds (the front part of the nasal septum) where a clot forms with direct compression. Tilting the head back, packing the nose, or blowing the nose during the bleeding can disrupt a forming clot, worsen bleeding, or introduce blood into the stomach, so those actions aren’t recommended. If the bleeding stops, reassure the child and avoid nose blowing for several hours; keep the nasal passages moist with saline spray or a humidifier to prevent dryness from triggering another bleed. If bleeding continues after 15 minutes of continuous pressure, or if nosebleeds recur frequently, seek medical care.

When a child has a nosebleed, the first thing to do is apply steady direct pressure to the bleeding site. Pinch the soft part of the nose shut by pressing on the nostrils just below the nasal bones with a firm grip, and keep that pressure for about 10 to 15 minutes without releasing to give the blood a chance to clot. It’s best to have the child sit up and lean forward slightly so blood drains out of the nose rather than back down the throat, which can irritate the stomach or cause coughing.

This approach targets the common source of anterior nosebleeds (the front part of the nasal septum) where a clot forms with direct compression. Tilting the head back, packing the nose, or blowing the nose during the bleeding can disrupt a forming clot, worsen bleeding, or introduce blood into the stomach, so those actions aren’t recommended.

If the bleeding stops, reassure the child and avoid nose blowing for several hours; keep the nasal passages moist with saline spray or a humidifier to prevent dryness from triggering another bleed. If bleeding continues after 15 minutes of continuous pressure, or if nosebleeds recur frequently, seek medical care.