Question

The doctor asks you to go to Exam Room 3 to perform blood work on a patient. When you enter the room, you notice that the patient seems very anxious. When you start to take her history, she shuts down and refuses to answer your questions. You ask her if she has concerns, and she states, “Yes, I really don’t want an extern taking my blood. The last time I had my blood drawn by an extern, my arm was black and blue when I left the office.” She continues, “I know you need to learn somehow, but I’d prefer not to be a pincushion today.” She then demands that the doctor assists her. Using your critical thinking application of the content you have learned so far, what should you do?

Answer 1

Try to comfort the patient by asking a few questions in general about themselves learn to gain a little bit of trust in them and maybe they will be a little more willing to let you do your job so that they can get what they need to get done