Final answer:
When a blood sample cannot be obtained, the phlebotomist should retry multiple times, use a larger needle, seek assistance from another phlebotomist, or report as unsuccessful and inform the healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a blood sample cannot be obtained, the phlebotomist should follow certain steps:
- Retry multiple times: The phlebotomist can try multiple times before concluding that a blood sample cannot be obtained.
- Use a larger needle: If the phlebotomist is having difficulty obtaining a blood sample, using a larger needle may be helpful.
- Seek assistance from another phlebotomist: Another phlebotomist may have more experience or different techniques that could be successful in obtaining a blood sample.
- Report as unsuccessful and inform the healthcare provider: If all attempts to obtain a blood sample are unsuccessful, the phlebotomist should report the situation as unsuccessful and inform the healthcare provider.