Which option correctly describes how to treat a nosebleed according to the guidelines?

• A. Pinch nose for 10 minutes; tilt head back.
• B. Sit upright and blow nose to test stoppage.
• C. Apply heat to the nose.
• D. Pinch nose together firmly for 20 minutes; sit upright; cold compress back of neck; do not blow nose.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is to stop the bleeding by supporting clot formation while keeping the airway clear and not disturbing the forming clot. Pinching the soft part of the nose firmly for about 20 minutes lets the blood vessels constrict and the clot stabilize without pressure from swallowing or coughing. Sitting upright helps prevent blood from running down the throat and reduces the chance of choking or aspiration. A cold compress at the back of the neck adds a gentle vasoconstrictive effect to help slow blood flow without heating tissue near the nose. Not blowing the nose during the episode protects the new clot from being disrupted, and avoiding heat on the nose prevents increased blood flow that could worsen the bleed.

If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes of steady pressure, or if it is heavy, or if there are other concerns such as head injury or a bleeding disorder, seek medical help.