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In the case of a patient with a head injury who is bleeding from the nose and ear, it is crucial to manage the bleeding while also considering the potential for a more serious issue, such as a skull fracture. Covering the ear and nose with a loose gauze pad allows for the absorption of blood while avoiding excessive pressure, which could potentially compromise any underlying structures or exacerbate the injury. It's important to maintain a loose application to allow for any blood drainage and to monitor the fluid for signs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which may indicate a serious head injury.

The other options could pose risks or fail to adequately address the situation. For example, applying a pressure dressing over the ear might restrict venous drainage or apply too much pressure on sensitive areas, while pinching the nostrils could interfere with established protocols for head injuries associated with nasal bleeding. Additionally, inserting a nasal airway may not be suitable due to the risk of worsening injury or causing further bleeding, especially in the context of a potential skull fracture. Overall, using a loose gauze pad is the most appropriate and safe approach in this scenario.