ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Stopping the procedure and lowering the patient's head is the best course of action when a patient starts to feel faint during a blood draw. This response helps prevent the patient from fainting entirely by promoting increased blood flow to the brain. Lowering the head allows the patient to be in a more favorable position to regain stability and prevents potential injury from falling. It also gives the healthcare professional time to assess the patient's condition and provide further assistance or intervention if needed.

While completing the procedure quickly might seem like a logical choice to finish the blood draw, it can exacerbate the patient's faintness and increase the risk of complications. Encouraging the patient to sit up may also be counterproductive, as it could worsen their symptoms; sitting up may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and a greater feeling of faintness. Increasing the flow of blood is inappropriate and counterintuitive in managing a patient who is experiencing lightheadedness or fainting. Overall, prioritizing the patient's safety and comfort is crucial in this situation, which is effectively achieved by stopping the procedure and lowering their head.