NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceHard
A phlebotomy technician is performing a blood draw on a patient who starts to seize during the procedure. What is the technician's immediate priority?
- ACall for a code blue immediately and begin CPR.
- BAttempt to insert a tongue depressor to prevent the patient from biting their tongue.
- CRestrain the patient's limbs to prevent injury.
- DRemove the needle and protect the patient from injury.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Remove the needle and protect the patient from injury.
During a seizure, the immediate priority is to remove the needle to prevent further injury from movement and then protect the patient from hitting their head or limbs against objects. Restraining, CPR (unless breathing stops), or inserting objects into the mouth are generally contraindicated.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A code blue and CPR are for cardiac arrest; a seizure does not automatically mean cardiac arrest or cessation of breathing.
- B. Inserting anything into a seizing patient's mouth can cause injury to their teeth, jaw, or airway, and is not recommended.
- C. Restraining a seizing patient can cause musculoskeletal injuries to the patient and technician.
Patient Seizure Protocol
Emergency procedures to follow when a patient experiences a seizure during a medical procedure, focusing on patient safety and injury prevention.
- Remove sharp objects from the patient immediately.
- Protect the patient from hitting objects.
- Do not restrain or put anything in the mouth.
Memory trick: Needle Out, Protect, Then Shout!