Adverse Reaction Management:
General Procedures at Onset of Adverse Reactions:
- Remove tourniquet and withdraw needle from arm
- Assist patient to lie down on bed provided in the Phlebotomy areas
1- Fainting:
Symptoms:
Weakness, sweating, dizziness, pallor, loss of consciousness, convulsions, cold skin, drop in blood pressure, slow pulse rate.
Procedures:
- Loosen tight clothing
- Raise the patient’s feet above the level of the /patient’s head
- Apply cold compress to forehead and back of neck
- Administer aromatic spirits of ammonia by inhalation.
- Patient’s response by coughing may elevate the blood pressure.
- Call (A&E) Accident & Emergency if patient cannot recover for 5-10 min.
2- Nausea and Vomiting:
Symptoms:
Stomach pain, dizzy, sweating, cold skin, vomiting.
Procedures:
- Instruct patient to breathe slowly and deeply.
- Apply cold compress to forehead and back of neck.
- Turn head to the side
- Provide receptacle for vomitus and tissues
- Provide cup of water to rinse mouth
3- Hematoma:
Symptoms:
Swelling of skin at needle entry sight.
Procedures:
- Immediately remove the tourniquet and the needle from the patient’s arm
- Place three or four sterile gauze squares over the hematoma and apply firm pressure for 7-10 mins
- with the patients arm held above the heart level
- Apply dressing cover firmly
- Instruct patient that swelling/bruising may occur
- Apply warm cloth if pain or swelling persists,
- Apply pressure to the venipuncture site.