What is an important step when collecting blood from a patient taking anticoagulants?

Monitoring for excessive bleeding during and after the draw is crucial when collecting blood from a patient who is taking anticoagulants. These medications, which help prevent blood clots, can increase the risk of prolonged bleeding after a venipuncture. Patients on anticoagulants may not be able to form clots as effectively, making it necessary for the phlebotomist to keep an eye on the site for any signs of excessive bleeding.

This vigilance helps ensure that appropriate measures can be taken if bleeding does not stop within a reasonable amount of time. For instance, applying additional pressure or using a bandage may be required to control any bleeding. In contrast, although avoiding excessive use of needles, using larger gauge needles, and drawing samples quickly might be good general practices, they do not specifically address the unique challenges posed by anticoagulant therapy in terms of bleeding risk. Therefore, monitoring for excessive bleeding is the most important step in this situation.