4 answers
Tamyria
Student
Baltimore, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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Phlebotomy
What is the easy way to calm a patient down when they are about to have their blood drawn ?
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4 answers
Janelle Ho
Army Combat Medic
2
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Janelle’s Answer
The most important step is to have self confidence. The patient will be able to tell if you are nervous or if you are not sure what you're doing. The patients attitude is reflected on how you portray yourself. Therefore if you have a shaky hand or if you're fumbling around with the supplies, it will increase the patients anxiety.
Another way is to simply ask them before you start the blood draw. A simple "Have you ever felt light headed when receiving a blood draw?" will save you the surprise of the patient fainting. Any verbal affirmation will assure the patient that they are in good hands as well. You can tell them to take deep breaths, to take their time until they're ready, if they want water, or to look away. Remember that it's about the comfort of the patient. The patient won't be calm if they are in an uncomfortable situation.
Another way is to simply ask them before you start the blood draw. A simple "Have you ever felt light headed when receiving a blood draw?" will save you the surprise of the patient fainting. Any verbal affirmation will assure the patient that they are in good hands as well. You can tell them to take deep breaths, to take their time until they're ready, if they want water, or to look away. Remember that it's about the comfort of the patient. The patient won't be calm if they are in an uncomfortable situation.
H Wright
RN
22
Answers
Shelbyville, Kentucky
Updated
H’s Answer
Instruct them to take deep breathes in through their nose and out through their mouth. If they don’t like the sight of blood have them look away. Also, try having them imagine being someplace relaxing. If they have someone with them have them try holding their hand and talking to them as a distraction.
Patricia Rodriguez
Medical assistant
2
Answers
Pomona, California
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
When you have a patient that is not great with needles or is jittery you always want to make sure they have some water, take a couple breaths and when I’m going to start I let them know the steps of drawing.
Sikawayi Williams
Counselor
227
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Tamyria, thank you for your question. I have seen several methods work, the first one is to talk to the person ask them questions about were the other person usually draws blood from. Secondly reassure the person you won't stick them unless you're sure the vein is there. Lastly, I would encourage you to find out before you run toward them with that rubber turnicid and needle to ask them are they a hard stick most people who are will usually tell you. Best of luck