sMT: Phlebotomy- First Aid (Hyperventilation, Fainting, Seizure) || 05-07-24

[permission was granted by participants]
HYPERVENTILATION
First Aid
In terms of the treatment, the target is to increase the carbon dioxide level in the patient's blood.
First, the first aider needs to remain calm and say words in a soft and relaxed tone. The first aider can reassure them that he/she will not leave or judge them or remind them the attack will not last long and tell them they are safe, for example, "You are doing a great job," "You are going to get through this!" and so on (The Healthline Editorial Team, 2023).
Second, one of the first aids commonly done is where the patient breathes slowly into a paper bag or cupped hands, not a plastic bag. Breathing out due to panic results in losing carbon dioxide in the blood; therefore, breathing into a bag restores the lost carbon dioxide. The first aider guides the patient to take 6 to 12 natural breaths using a paper bag over the mouth and nose. After that, let the patient remove the bag from the nose and mouth. It must be noted that the first aider must not hold the bag for a hyperventilating person. Let the person hold the bag over his or her mouth and nose (Hyperventilation: Care Instructions, n.d.).
Third, hyperventilation can be treated with the proper breathing strategies. It is necessary to urge the patient to inhale through pressed lips, mimicking the sound of whistling. Alternatively, the patient can close one nostril and inhale through it. This is said to be effective as the patient cannot move as much air, making it more challenging to hyperventilate through the nose or pursed lips. Instruct the patient to breathe once every five seconds or as slowly as necessary to get the symptoms away (Fields, 2021).
The first aider and patient may also attempt belly breathing. When one breathes deeply, their breathing rate decreases, and they become more relaxed. The patient places one hand on the abdomen and the other on the chest. Although the patient can stand, reclining on the floor with their knees bent might be more comfortable. Instruct the patient to breathe deeply through the nose. Allow the patient's tummy to push their hand out as they inhale while keeping the chest still. The patient must feel their hands go down as they release breath through pursed lips. Three to ten repetitions of these processes are required. It is essential to take one's time in every breath (Hyperventilation, 2023).
This also occurs when people in the clinical laboratory tend to draw blood for the phlebotomist. If hyperventilation occurs for longer than 30 minutes, it is necessary to consult a professional such as a doctor or nurse.
FAINTING
Fainting, also known as syncope, can occur during a venipuncture procedure due to a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain (American Red Cross, 2023). As a healthcare professional, it's crucial to remain calm and follow these steps to ensure the patient's safety and well-being:
1. Stop the Procedure Immediately:
2. Position the Patient for Increased Blood Flow to the Brain:
3. Ensure Airway Patency:
4. Maintain a Comfortable Environment:
5. Monitor the Patient:
6. Reassurance and Aftercare:
Document the incident: Following the event, document the fainting episode and the care provided in the patient's medical record.
By following these steps and remaining calm, you can effectively manage a fainting episode during venipuncture and ensure the patient's safety and well-being.
SEIZURE
First Aid
Witnessing a seizure can be alarming, but staying calm and knowing what to do can make a significant difference.
1. Stay Calm and Ensure Safety (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023):
2. Gently Guide the Person to the Floor (if standing) (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023):
3. Loosen Tight Clothing (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023):
4. Protect the Head (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023):
5. Don't Restrain or Put Anything in Their Mouth (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023):
6. Time the Seizure (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023):
7. Observe and Take Note (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023): While the seizure is happening, observe the person and note any specific symptoms you witness. This might include the type of movements they exhibit, if they lose consciousness, or any unusual sounds they make. Keeping track of these details can be helpful for medical personnel later.
8. Stay With Them Until They Recover (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023): Don't leave the person alone during the seizure. Stay with them until the jerking movements stop, and they regain awareness. Once the seizure subsides, speak to them calmly and reassuringly. They may be confused or disoriented, so explain what happened in a gentle manner.
9. Call for Medical Help (Epilepsy Foundation, 2023): Seek emergency medical attention by calling for help in the following situations: