Kaiden is a 32-year-old businessman who is being seen in the office because he has been feeling fatigued all of the time. He says he is having difficulty concentrating at work, and his appetite is off. The physician has ordered several blood tests. When you explain the procedure to Kaiden, he smiles and says, "Oh, sure, I've been through this many times before. Do what you have to do!" A few seconds after you insert the needle and begin drawing the first tube of blood, Kaiden suddenly goes limp. You realize that he has fainted and is beginning to slip out of the chair. What should you do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice in this scenario is to gently lower Kaiden to the floor while protecting his head. This will prevent him from falling and injuring himself. If his head were thrust down between his legs, it could exacerbate the situation and cause further harm. Leaving the room and calling for help is not recommended because Kaiden could potentially injure himself if left unattended. Releasing the tourniquet but leaving the needle in his arm until the physician arrives is also not ideal because it is important to remove the needle as soon as possible to prevent further complications. While wiping his face with a towel soaked with cool water may provide some comfort, it does not address the immediate concern of preventing further injury.

Kaiden Is a 32-Year-Old Businessman Who Is Being Seen in the Office