NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Patient PreparationMedium
A phlebotomy technician needs to draw blood from a patient with a history of seizures. The patient is currently alert and oriented. Which of the following precautions is MOST important for the technician to take?
- AApply the tourniquet for a shorter duration.
- BUse a smaller gauge needle to minimize trauma.
- CHave another staff member present during the draw.
- DEnsure the patient is lying down or in a reclined position.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Ensure the patient is lying down or in a reclined position.
For patients with a history of seizures, even if currently alert, the most important precaution is to ensure they are in a safe, reclined position. This prevents injury if a seizure were to occur during the procedure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Applying the tourniquet for a shorter duration is a general good practice to prevent hemoconcentration, not a specific seizure precaution.
- B. Using a smaller gauge needle is a general practice for difficult veins or sensitive patients, but not directly related to seizure precaution.
- C. While helpful for assistance, having another staff member present is secondary to ensuring immediate physical safety.
Seizure Precaution Venipuncture
When drawing blood from a patient with a history of seizures, the primary safety measure is to ensure the patient is in a supine or reclined position to prevent injury in case of a sudden seizure.
- Patient safety is paramount.
- Supine/reclined position prevents falls during a seizure.
- Maintain a calm environment.
- Be prepared to protect the patient from injury.
Memory trick: Seizure risk? Lay them low, keep them safe.