Question

A young phlebotomist is assigned to collect blood samples from the psychiatric ward at the hospital where she works. The usual procedure before entering a patient’s room is to verify with the nursing staff that all patients on the collection list are stable enough to undergo a phlebotomy procedure. The young phlebotomist is told that all patients are fine on this particular day. Therefore, she enters the room of a physically large and tall woman. The woman seems receptive and willingly engages inappropriate identification procedures. However, once the phlebotomist actually punctures the vein for blood collection, the patient unexpectedly jerks her arm away and pushes the young phlebotomist so hard she staggers against a wall. What is the best course of action for this phlebotomist?

Answer 1

Once the phlebotomist is surprised by the staggering, he/she should gather herself and keep calm by not invoking any sudden anger outburst or scolding the patient. The reasons behind the staggering could be overwhelmed patient, anxiety, fear of needles, etc. The best course of such actions would be to settle the down the patient and calm the patient by talking to her. The puncture would can be closed with a cotton swab and asked to hold it so as to avoid any pain or infection. Next, consult with the nurse in charge or the physician as to immediate requirement of blood sample or otherwise we can wait and let the patient be relaxed for the next sample withdrawal. It is very key not to react in a rash manner but to be patient and polite and proceed with compassionate and professional manner.