NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Collection RoutineHard
A phlebotomy technician is collecting a blood specimen from a patient who begins to experience a seizure during the venipuncture. What is the phlebotomist's immediate priority?
- AApply a cold compress to the patient's forehead.
- BRemove the needle and protect the patient from injury.
- CCall for a nurse or physician immediately.
- DComplete the blood draw quickly to minimize interruption.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Remove the needle and protect the patient from injury.
The immediate priority during a patient seizure is to ensure their safety. This means quickly removing the needle to prevent further injury and then protecting the patient from harming themselves during the seizure by moving objects away and cushioning their head.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Applying a cold compress is not an immediate life-saving or injury-preventative measure during a seizure.
- C. While calling for help is important, the immediate action is patient safety; the call can be made after the needle is removed and the patient is protected.
- D. Continuing the blood draw during a seizure is unsafe and could cause severe injury to the patient or technician.
Seizure During Venipuncture
An unexpected medical emergency during blood collection where the patient experiences uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, requiring immediate safety interventions by the phlebotomy technician.
- Patient safety is the top priority.
- Remove needle immediately to prevent injury.
- Protect patient from self-harm (e.g., hitting head).
- Call for medical assistance after initial safety measures.
Memory trick: SEIZURE Safety: Secure, Evacuate, Identify, Zap (call for help), Understand, Report, Evaluate.