Question

If a outpatient begins to faint while blood is being drawn, what should the phlebotomist do?

1) Call for immediate medical assistance
2) Continue with the blood draw
3) Stop the blood draw and lay the patient down
4) Give the patient a glass of water

Answer 1

When a patient begins to faint during a blood draw, the phlebotomist should immediately stop drawing blood and lay the patient down to prevent falls and restore blood flow to the brain, and may call for medical assistance if needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an outpatient begins to faint while blood is being drawn, the phlebotomist should stop the blood draw and lay the patient down. This action helps prevent injury from a fall and can improve blood flow to the brain, potentially alleviating the fainting symptoms. It is important to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient before proceeding with any further medical procedures. Calling for immediate medical assistance may also be necessary, depending on the severity of the patient's condition.