Which action should the nurse take first when a patient develops a nosebleed?
a. Pinch the lower portion of the nose for 10 minutes.
b. Pack the affected nare tightly with an epistaxis balloon.
c. Obtain silver nitrate that will be needed for cauterization.
d. Apply ice compresses over the patient's nose and cheeks.
ANS: A
The first nursing action for epistaxis is to apply direct pressure by pinching the nostrils. Application of cold packs may decrease blood flow to the area, but will not be sufficient to stop bleeding. Cauterization and nasal packing are medical interventions that may be needed if pressure to the nares does not stop the bleeding, but these are not the first actions to take for a nosebleed.
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