What should a phlebotomist do if a patient feels faint during a blood draw?

When a patient feels faint during a blood draw, the phlebotomist's primary responsibility is to ensure the patient's safety first and foremost. By removing the needle immediately, the phlebotomist minimizes the risk of potential complications, such as fainting or injury, that could occur if the procedure were to continue.

Ensuring the patient is safe involves not only stopping the draw but also taking additional steps, such as helping the patient to a comfortable position, perhaps laying them down or having them sit with their head between their knees to increase blood flow to the brain. This action helps prevent the patient from fainting completely and allows for proper monitoring of their condition.

While informing a nurse and providing hydration may also be part of the ongoing care for the patient, the immediate priority is to stop the procedure and address the patient's current feelings of faintness, safeguarding their well-being at that moment.