What should a patient do after blood collection?

After blood collection, the appropriate action for a patient is to keep pressure on the site and avoid heavy lifting for a short period. This practice is essential for several reasons.

First, maintaining pressure on the puncture site helps to prevent hematoma formation, which can occur if blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. By applying pressure, the patient can assist in sealing the puncture and reduce the risk of bleeding.

Second, avoiding heavy lifting is important because straining can increase blood flow to the area, which might dislodge any clot that is forming at the puncture site. This could lead to complications such as increased bruising or prolonged bleeding.

In contrast, options like removing bandages immediately or leaving the site uncovered can pose risks for increased bleeding or infection, as the site needs to be protected and monitored for adequate healing. Taking pain medication is not standard advice unless a patient experiences significant discomfort, which is not typically anticipated following routine blood draws. Such actions could interfere with the body's natural healing process and might not be necessary.