NHCO Order of Draw Practice Test

A fainting or near-fainting episode during phlebotomy is a vasovagal reaction. This reflex lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reducing blood flow to the brain and causing dizziness (vertigo) or loss of consciousness (syncope). It’s distinct from nerve injury (which would cause numbness or weakness), thrombophlebitis (redness, warmth, and tenderness along a vein), or a hematoma (swelling and bruising at the puncture site). In a vasovagal episode, the typical response is to stop the draw, have the patient lie flat and, if possible, raise the legs, while monitoring until recovery.