You are asked to perform a capillary puncture on a patient. During your first attempt, you notice that no blood is coming out.
- What are some techniques to increase blood flow to the finger?
- How would you respond to a patient that became nervous during the procedure?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Performing a capillary puncture is a common procedure in the medical field, particularly in diagnostic and screening tests. As a medical professor, it is important to teach our students not only the proper techniques in performing this procedure but also the ways to handle unexpected situations, such as when no blood is coming out during the first attempt or when a patient becomes nervous during the procedure.
1. Techniques to increase blood flow to the finger:
a) Warm the hand – Applying heat to the hand, such as by using a warm towel or soaking it in warm water, can help dilate the blood vessels in the finger, which in turn can increase blood flow.
b) Massage the finger – Gently massaging the finger from the base to the tip can also help increase blood flow to the area.
c) Change finger position – Sometimes, changing the position of the finger can help increase blood flow. For example, if the patient is sitting with their hand hanging down, elevating the hand can help.
2. Responding to a nervous patient during the procedure:
It is common for patients to feel nervous or anxious during medical procedures, especially if they are unfamiliar with them. As a healthcare professional, it is important to prioritize the patient’s comfort and well-being. Here are some ways to help a nervous patient during the capillary puncture:
a) Explain the procedure – Explaining the procedure to the patient beforehand can help alleviate their anxiety. It is important to explain what they can expect during the procedure and how long it will take.
b) Offer distractions – Distraction techniques, such as having the patient focus on a certain object or talking to them about a topic that interests them, can help take their mind off the procedure.
c) Be patient and reassuring – It is important to remain calm and patient with the patient and reassure them that you will do everything possible to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. You can also ask if they have any questions or concerns that they want to address before the procedure begins.
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