Patient develops an intraoral hematoma after extraction. What is the first step in management?

Correct answer: A. Apply ice and direct pressure

• A. Correct. Initial management of a developing hematoma is conservative: apply ice (vasoconstriction, reduce swelling) and direct pressure to control further bleeding/expansion.
• B. Incision and drainage is reserved for established, organized hematomas/abscesses, not the immediate first step for an acute hematoma.
• C. Antibiotics are not the first-line management for a simple hematoma without signs of infection.
• D. Analgesics may help with discomfort but do not address controlling the hematoma itself as the first priority.