What should you do if a patient is known to faint during a phlebotomy procedure?

If a patient faints during the venipuncture, immediately abort the procedure by gently removing the tourniquet and needle from the patient’s arm, apply gauze and pressure to the skin puncture site and call for assistance.

What causes fainting physiology?

Vasovagal syncope occurs when the part of your nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood pressure malfunctions in response to a trigger, such as the sight of blood. Your heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in your legs widen (dilate).

Can I keep myself from fainting when I have blood drawn?

If you faint while giving blood or getting a shot, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat a meal a few hours beforehand. While you’re giving blood or getting the shot, lie down, don’t look at the needle, and try to distract yourself.

How do you anticipate fainting?

When fainting has not yet occurred but there are good indications of impending syncope, engage lever at base of chair to bring patient to supine position….These include:

1. Progressive facial pallor with cold perspiration.
2. Loss of muscle tone with limp extremities.
3. Hyperventilation with tingling of fingertips.
4. Nausea.

Why do I faint when getting blood drawn?

In a vasovagal response, your blood pressure drops and the heart does not pump a normal amount of oxygen to the brain. The response is often triggered by anxiety or emotional distress, sometimes even from the sight of blood during a blood draw.

What is the most common cause of syncope?

Vasovagal syncope (also called cardio-neurogenic syncope) Vasovagal syncope is the most common type of syncope. It is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, which causes a drop in blood flow to the brain. When you stand up, gravity causes blood to settle in the lower part of your body, below your diaphragm.

What is happening when you faint?

A drop in blood flow to the brain causes fainting. The most common causes of fainting are usually not signs of a more serious illness. In these cases, you faint because of: The vasovagal reflex, which causes the heart rate to slow and the blood vessels to widen, or dilate.

How do you prevent a vasovagal response?

These might include:

1. Avoiding triggers, such as standing for a long time or the sight of blood.
2. Moderate exercise training.
3. Discontinuing medicines that lower blood pressure, like diuretics.
4. Eating a higher salt diet, to help keep up blood volume.
5. Drinking plenty of fluids, to maintain blood volume.

What are the 4 classifications of syncope?

Syncope is classified as neurally mediated (reflex), cardiac, orthostatic, or neurologic (Table 1).

What is it called when you faint during phlebotomy?

In the scenario of phlebotomy, it’s likely a vasovagal spell (a.k.a. simple faint), which is a type of neurocardiogenic syncope. Vasovagal spells occur equally in all ages and both sexes, although they may be more frequent in some families.

What causes syncope and fainting?

Syncope occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the brain. There are many potential causes, but the most common ones include: If fainting occurs frequently and is not because of dehydration or sudden postural change, you may need to be tested for a serious heart or vascular condition.

What causes fainting during a venipuncture?

The most-likely source of this anxiety is fear of the actual venipuncture procedure itself. Individuals who are not properly hydrated are also far more likely to become light-headed and dizzy or to even pass out in the process of having blood drawn. A person’s diet can also contribute to fainting.

What are the signs and symptoms of fainting during blood draw?

Patients who are having blood drawn may display signs of becoming faint. These include: When fainting has not yet occurred but there are good indications of impending syncope, engage lever at base of chair to bring patient to supine position. If patient begins to feel sick, obtain basin for possible emesis.