American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

A patient who tends to faint during a blood draw should be?

1. Seated in a chair with their feet on the ground

2. Placed lying down on an exam table or in a reclining chair

3. Encouraged to walk around after the draw

4. Given a glass of water before the procedure

The correct answer is: Placed lying down on an exam table or in a reclining chair

When a patient is prone to fainting during a blood draw, the most effective strategy is to place them lying down on an exam table or in a reclining chair. This position helps reduce the risk of injury in the event of syncope (fainting) by ensuring that the patient is supported and can be safely monitored. Lying down allows gravity to aid in blood flow back to the heart and can minimize the effects of sudden changes in blood pressure that can lead to fainting. In contrast, having the patient seated in a chair with their feet on the ground does not provide sufficient support if they lose consciousness. Encouraging them to walk around after the draw can exacerbate the risk of fainting and could lead to falls or other injuries. Offering a glass of water before the procedure is beneficial for hydration, but it does not specifically address the fainting issue during the blood draw itself. Therefore, positioning the patient appropriately is crucial for their safety and overall well-being during the procedure.