NOSEBLEEDS?

bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 3, 2009

I worked at an Elementary School for a good 3 or 4 years, and we were always told to absolutely NOT tilt the head back. This allows the blood to run back into the person's throat and may lead to choking, coughing, or even vomiting.

Although this makes complete sense to me and I agree with it 100%, it's still hard to see a kid with a bloody nose and not think 'tilt your head back!' :) But I'm breaking the habit

AirforceRN, RN · Jul 4, 2009

I'm pretty sure the only reason to put your head back is to prevent blood from soiling your face and clothes...it makes the observer or first aider feel better. In the end though, you're going to barf it back up anyway...

Head forward.

Colleen2014, RN · Jul 4, 2009

well my daughter has been having nose bleeds all day today and my mom thinks that she has been loosing too much blood for her being 3 she stills stands strong by her tilt the head back theory. you knows mommy knows best in her eyes well grandmas lol

AOX4RN, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 6, 2009

My daughter gets frequent nosebleeds and instinctively puts her head back while going for the tissue so I think she just doesn't want to get bloody

caribgal · Jul 6, 2009

As an EMT, we were taught to have the patient position the head in a sniffing position (like you are slightly sniffing a flower). It allows for a little head tilt but not all the way back. Pinch the bridge of the nose until the bleeding stops. Ice compress also helps on the bridge of the nose although it is uncomfortable for children.

Colleen2014, RN · Jul 6, 2009

I asked my friend who is in the nursing program who graduates in dec and she is saying your suppose to hold the head back so i dont even know. Is this something that is taught in nursing school?

AirforceRN, RN · Jul 7, 2009

Just think about the physiology and anatomy that goes into play here for a second...There are two different scenarios...

1)

What's going to happen if you tilt your head back? Is there anything going on there that will help stop the nosebleed? No. Your nose is still going to bleed. Where is that blood going to go? There are two holes there, either your trachea (which is unlikely as you would cough and gag) or your esophagus. What happens when you swallow a bunch of blood? You vomit. So...in a bad nosebleed you tilt your head back...you end up barfing (which may make the nosebleed worse) or at the very least you end up with a bunch of blood in your stomach.

2) You tilt your head forward. Again, is there anything there that will help stop the nose bleed? No, not really. Where is that blood going to go? There are two holes, the left nare or the right nare. Its going to go onto the floor...or your clothes. But at least you aren't going to injest it.

I'd say tilting your head forward is the better of two evils.