Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

If a patient has a nosebleed, what is the correct initial action for a psychiatric technician?

1. Instruct the patient to lie down

2. Instruct the patient to sit down, tilt head slightly forward, and pinch nostrils

3. Apply ice to the nose

4. Give the patient a tissue

The correct answer is: Instruct the patient to sit down, tilt head slightly forward, and pinch nostrils

The correct initial action when addressing a nosebleed is to instruct the patient to sit down, tilt their head slightly forward, and pinch their nostrils together. This technique is effective for several reasons. First, sitting down reduces the risk of fainting or falling, which can occur if the individual is standing and loses blood pressure or feeling faint. Tilting the head forward prevents blood from flowing down the back of the throat, which can lead to swallowing blood and subsequent nausea or vomiting. Pinching the nostrils helps to compress the blood vessels in the nose, which can effectively halt the bleeding. This approach is consistent with standard first-aid practices for managing a nosebleed and is important for both safety and effectiveness in stopping the bleeding. By following this method, the psychiatric technician can provide immediate care that supports the patient's needs while minimizing complications associated with nosebleeds.