08/12/2022
Venipuncture on Children & Handicap Patients
Because of the unpredictable behavior of children and handicap patients, all phlebotomists are required to have 1 other person help them with the phlebotomy.
Venipuncture performed on children less than 2 years of age should be done using either a tuberculin syringe with a 21–23 gauge needle, or a 21–23 gauge butterfly needle. The thumb or big toe can be used for dermal puncture.
It is generally easier if you ask the child to assist in the process by either holding something such as a piece of gauze or a bandage. It will help to take the child’s mind off the procedure. It is also a good idea to promise the child some kind of reward for when they are done such as a sticker (check with parent or guardian before giving any food) or a special bandage.
Fainting
If the patient is sitting, lower their head & arms. Place your hand on the back of the patient’s head and have the patient push up against it if they can. Maintain pressure on the head, which will cause blood to return to the head. If the patient is lying down, elevate their feet.
Loosen any tight clothing.
Have a nurse record blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate
Apply cold compresses to the back of the patient’s forehead and neck.
Try to revive the patient with an ammonia inhalant, (this should result in the patient coughing)
Call the physician if there is no response
Nausea
Situate the patient comfortable with his/her head lowered
Instruct the patient to breathe deeply and slowly
Apply cold compresses to the back of the patient’s forehead and neck.
Vomiting
Roll prone patients onto side
Give patient a basin
When vomiting ceases, assist patient with towels and water
Apply cold compresses to the back of the patient’s forehead and neck.
Inform the physician
Excessive Bleeding
Apply direct pressure until the bleeding ceases
Record the time
If the bleeding persists more than 5 minutes, notify the physician
Convulsions
Have a nurse or physician respond immediately
Place a soft, non-ingestible piece of material in the patient’s mouth
Guard the patient from self injury without completely restraining
Move any furniture that the patient may injure themselves on
Notify the physician
