What position should be avoided when treating a patient with epistaxis?

When treating a patient with epistaxis, the supine position should be avoided because it can exacerbate the bleeding. In a supine position, blood can flow toward the back of the throat, potentially leading to aspiration or a feeling of suffocation for the patient as blood pools. This position also increases the likelihood of swallowing blood, which can cause nausea or vomiting.

In contrast, sitting upright or slightly forward allows gravity to assist in controlling the bleeding by promoting drainage out of the nostrils instead of backward. This helps the patient remain more comfortable and effectively minimizes the risks associated with blood flowing to the back of the throat. Additionally, the reclining position, depending on its angle, could resemble a supine position and may similarly present risks, making it less ideal for managing epistaxis.