Question

At Inner City Health Care, medical assistant Bruce Goldman often performs venipunctures. Bruce is personable and has an easy-going manner that makes patients feel comfortable with him. He takes the time to talk to patients before performing a venipuncture to determine their feelings about the procedure and to learn about their previous experiences. Bruce is confident and professional in his interactions with patients. He is always well-groomed, and he treats patients with respect. Using his social, technical, and administrative skills, Bruce is usually able to collect the necessary blood samples while providing a positive experience for patients.

1. What types of information will patients be able to share with Bruce about their previous venipuncture experiences?
2.How can Bruce use that information to better serve the patients?
3. Do you think patients are a good source of information about their bodies and their reactions to past experiences?

Answer 1

Venipuncture is a  routine surgical puncture of a vein to withdraw blood for laboratory testing or for the administration of intravenous fluids or drugs. It is done  as part of the observation for a wide range of medical conditions.

1. Types of information patients will be able to share with Bruce about their previous venipuncture experience are the complications caused by venipuncture. Examples are:

a. hematoma – most common

b.     osteomyelitis

c.     vein occlusion

d..    syncope.

e.     hemoconcentration

f.      petechiae

g.    collapsed veins

Other serious  complications include cellulitis, phlebitis, diaphoresis, and hypotension

2. If Bruce knows this information, he can better serve his patients by taking the necessary precautions.

For example, for patients who experienced Hematoma:

Bruce is aware not to push the needle too far into so as to prevent blood leaks causing a bruise to the patient again.

3. Yes, patients are a good source of information about their bodies and their reactions to past experiences.