Patient Safety

Question 1

When the patient is fainting, what should be done? (2)

Answer 1

1. Prevent patient from getting hurt

2. If possible, complete the venipuncture; otherwise, release the tourniquet and remove the needle

Question 2

When the patient has nausea and/or vomitting, what should be done? (3)

Answer 2

1. Provide a container
2. Have patient breathe deeply → in through the nose, and out through the mouth
3. Give sips of water after nausea has passed

Question 3

When the patient is experiencing convulsions, what should be done? (2)

Answer 3

1. Prevent injury

2. Observe to keep airway open

Question 4

When the patient is experiencing a respiratory or cardiac arrest, what should be done? (1)

Answer 4

Call for help and start CPR

Question 5

When the patient has abnormal bleeding, what should be done? (2)

Answer 5

1. Do not leave the patient until bleeding has stopped

2. Leave pressure on the venipuncture wound

Question 6

When the patient is uncooperative, what should be done? (2)

Answer 6

1. Persuade if possible by explaining the importance of the procedure
2. Inform physician of non-compliance

Question 7

What is the common word for “syncope”? (1)

Answer 7

Fainting

Question 8

What is fainting actually caused by? (1)

Answer 8

Sudden pooling of blood which leads to a sudden decrease in blood pressure

Question 9

What causes the loss of consciousness in fainting? (1)

Answer 9

Temporary deprivation the brain of blood

Question 10

List 4 symptoms of someone starting to faint. (4)

Answer 10

1. Cool and clammy
2. Perspiration
3. Dizziness
4. Evidence of nausea

Question 11

What are 3 things you should do when a patient shows any sign of fainting?

Answer 11

1. Release the tourniquet immediately, remove the tube and needle, and apply pressure to the venipuncture wound
2. If the patient is about to faint, put their head between their knees to speed blood flow to the brain, tell the patient to breathe deeply, and protect them from injury from a fall
3. Notify a supervisor, nurse, or physician immediately

Question 12

List as many reasons as you can for susceptibility to fainting. (9)

Answer 12

1. Patients having blood drawn for the first time
2. Young patients
3. Thin patients
4. Fatigued patients
5. Hungry patients
6. Environmental factors such as noisy, crowded, or overheated rooms
7. Patients exhibiting obvious nervousness or apprehension, and those who are very quiet or very talkative
8. Patients with a history of fainting (may be necessary or wise to have the patient lay down)
9. Patients with low diastolic or high systolic blood pressure