What should a phlebotomist do when a patient faints?

If a patient faints during the venipuncture, immediately abort the procedure by gently removing the tourniquet and needle from the patient’s arm, apply gauze and pressure to the skin puncture site and call for assistance.

What causes fainting during venipuncture?

In a vasovagal response, your blood pressure drops and the heart does not pump a normal amount of oxygen to the brain. The response is often triggered by anxiety or emotional distress, sometimes even from the sight of blood during a blood draw.

What steps would you take if the patient is anxious or afraid of getting their blood drawn?

If you’re anxious about blood tests, the best thing you can do is let your phlebotomist (the person taking your blood) know. Try to put your embarrassment aside and let them help you through it. Give them details about experiences in the past where it’s been difficult to draw blood, or you’ve felt faint or nauseated.

Is it scary drawing blood?

While drawing blood is ideally a fast and minimally painful experience, it’s possible that some people will feel very nervous about getting stuck with a needle or seeing their own blood. Here are some ways to minimize these reactions and stay calm: Focus on taking deep, full breaths before getting a blood draw.

What percentage of people pass out during blood draw?

Statistics say 2.5 percent of patients will pass out during or immediately after a blood draw. Being prepared significantly reduces the risk of injury and complications secondary to the loss of consciousness. If you ask if they’ve ever fainted during a blood draw, the rate goes up to 5.6\%.

How do phlebotomists talk to patients?

Ask Discovery Questions and Provide Reassurances Part of the reason a person could be uncomfortable might have to do with a prior bad experience. Ask them if they have had their blood drawn before and how that experience was and listen to what they tell you.

How do you calm a patient before drawing blood?

7 WAYS TO REDUCE DISCOMFORT DURING BLOOD DRAWS

1. Pay attention to patient body language.
2. Communicate with your patient.
3. Take your time.
4. Have distractions available.
5. Encourage patients to breathe through the procedure.
6. Encourage hydration.
7. Let your patient warm up.

How does a phlebotomist draw blood from a patient?

The phlebotomist then inserted the needle into the vein. After several minutes of no blood return, she removed the needle. A tiny pool of blood formed on top of the patient’s hand and in the tip of the needle; it dropped on top of the patient’s hand.

What are the signs and symptoms of fainting during blood draw?

Patients who are having blood drawn may display signs of becoming faint. These include: When fainting has not yet occurred but there are good indications of impending syncope, engage lever at base of chair to bring patient to supine position. If patient begins to feel sick, obtain basin for possible emesis.

How does a phlebotomist use a butterfly needle?

After patting and feeling the patient’s hand for several moments, the phlebotomist identified a small, narrow vein that appeared on top of the hand. She cleansed the area with alcohol and then opened the butterfly needle set. The phlebotomist then inserted the needle into the vein. After several minutes of no blood return, she removed the needle.

What happens if a patient falls in a laboratory?

Be aware that such patients can be injured by falling against laboratory equipment or by nearby apparatus such as blood drawing needles. Elevating the feet above the body should hasten recovery.