How should you handle a nosebleed?

• A. Have the person lie down and tilt head back.
• B. Tilt the head back.
• C. Have the person sit upright and lean forward slightly, pinch the soft part of the nose for about 10 minutes, and avoid blowing the nose afterward.
• D. Apply heat to the nose.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to stop the bleed with direct pressure while keeping blood from entering the throat. Have the person sit up and lean forward slightly so blood exits the nose rather than feeding back into the throat. Pinch the soft, lower part of the nose firmly for about 10 minutes without releasing pressure, then check if it has stopped and avoid blowing the nose for several hours. Tilting the head back or lying down can cause blood to run into the throat, which may lead to choking or vomiting and can delay clotting. Do not apply heat to the nose. If bleeding lasts beyond about 20 minutes of continuous pressure, or there is heavy bleeding, a head injury, fainting, or the person is on blood thinners, seek medical care.