How to Manage Recurrent Nosebleeds in a 5-Year-Old Child?

What instructions should a nurse reinforce when a parent reports a recurrence of a nosebleed in a 5-year-old child?

a) Apply a cold cloth to the bridge of the nose
b) Apply continuous pressure to the nose for 10 minutes
c) Attempt to keep the child calm and quiet
d) Have the child lie down and turn to the left side
e) Take the child to the emergency department

Answer:

To manage a child's nosebleed, the parent should apply a cold cloth to the nose, apply continuous pressure for 10 minutes, and keep the child calm. Laying down or rushing to the ER are not necessary unless there are severe symptoms. Prevention measures include the use of a humidifier and consumption of extra liquids. Option A & B & C are correct.

When a parent reports a recurrence of a nosebleed in a 5-year-old child, the nurse should reinforce the following instructions:

It is important to not have the child lie down as this can lead to the child swallowing blood. Unless the nosebleed does not stop or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms (such as dizziness or weakness), it is usually not necessary to take the child to the emergency department.

In terms of preventing nosebleeds, especially during cold and dry weather, use of a humidifier and increased fluid intake can be beneficial as these measures keep the respiratory mucosa from drying out and thus decrease the likelihood of nosebleeds.