Question

Several complaints have been received from parents of children in the pediatric wing about the anxiety that venipuncture causes their children. An informal staff meeting with the phlebotomist reveals that they feel both parents and pediatric nurses are less than supportive and frequently make the task of venipuncture in children worse with their own anxiety. The best course of action would be to:

A) Provide additional training to the phlebotomists on pediatric venipuncture techniques.

B) Develop educational materials for parents on how to support their children during venipuncture.

C) Establish a support system or counseling for pediatric nurses to manage their anxiety.

D) Implement a multidisciplinary approach involving parents, nurses, and phlebotomists in addressing the issue and finding solutions.

Answer 1

The best course of action to address venipuncture anxiety in children is a multidisciplinary approach involving parents, nurses, and phlebotomists.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the concern about the anxiety that venipuncture causes in children at a pediatric wing, the best course of action would be to implement a multidisciplinary approach. This course of action (D) involves collaboration between parents, nurses, and phlebotomists to address the discussed issue collectively. The objective would be to develop a supportive environment that minimizes stress and anxiety associated with venipuncture in children. This could include creating educational materials for parents to better support their children, as well as additional training for phlebotomists and nurses to improve their techniques and manage their own anxiety.

It is essential to recognize the critical role that phlebotomists play in medical lab technology, and their expertise in venipuncture is integral to the healthcare process. Furthermore, clinical laboratories are the backbone of diagnosis and treatment, with medical technologists performing important tests on blood samples collected via venipuncture. Implementing a multidisciplinary approach helps improve the overall venipuncture procedure, leading to better patient care and reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.