After a patient has fainted during venipuncture, what should the phlebotomist do next?

When a patient fainted during venipuncture, the correct action is to lower their head to their knees. This maneuver is effective in helping to restore blood flow to the brain. By bringing the head closer to the level of the heart, this position facilitates venous return, which can assist in preventing a more severe fainting episode and allows for a more rapid recovery. It can help prevent the individual from falling further, leading to potential injury.

While checking vital signs and calling for backup assistance are important steps to consider in a different context or if the patient does not recover quickly, they are not the immediate priority in this situation. Providing water may not be appropriate until the patient has fully regained consciousness and is stable. Thus, lowering the head to the knees is a critical first response aimed at addressing the fainting episode directly.