subject: Bleeding Episodes in Cancer Patients [print this page] If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the area for five to ten minutes, and if a limb is involved, elevate it. Apply ice to cause the local blood vessels to constrict. If the nose bleeds, squeeze the nostrils gently shut below the bridge of the nose; tilt the head forward to prevent blood from backing up. If it persists, place an ice pack on the bridge of the nose. Contact the doctor if bleeding of any kind doesn't stop after five minutes.
