A nurse receives a telephone call from a parent reporting that their school-age child has a nosebleed and that they cannot stop the bleeding. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the parent?

A. "Place a warm, wet washcloth over your child's forehead and the bridge of their nose." Warm compresses may actually dilate blood vessels, which can worsen the bleeding. Cold compresses are preferred to help constrict vessels. B. "Use your thumb and forefinger to apply pressure to the sides of your child's nose." This is the correct first-aid measure for epistaxis. The parent should pinch the soft part of the nose continuously for 10–15 minutes while the child leans forward. C. "Have your child lie down and turn their head to the side for 10 minutes." Lying down can increase blood flow to the nose and may cause blood to be swallowed, which can lead to nausea or vomiting. D. “Tell your child to blow their nose gently, and then sit down and tilt their head backward." Tilting the head back can cause blood to drain into the throat, increasing the risk of aspiration and stomach upset. Leaning forward is the proper position.