The physician has asked you to draw blood from Peter, a 24-year-old patient, for routine pre-employment testing. As you begin explaining the process, Peter starts to look very uncomfortable. Although he pretends nothing is wrong, you soon discover that he is afraid of needles. Which of the following suggestions might you make to help Peter?
A) "Take rapid, shallow breaths while I insert the needle in your arm."
B) "Tense the muscles in your arm so it won't hurt as much."
C) "See the magazine in the rack on the wall? Focus on that while I draw the blood."
D) "This will be painful, but I know you are brave enough to get through it."
E) "If you do not let me draw your blood, the company won't hire you."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Focusing on something else, like a magazine, can help distract the patient from the procedure, potentially reducing anxiety and discomfort associated with needle phobia. Rapid, shallow breathing (A) can increase anxiety, tensing muscles (B) can make the procedure more painful, and negative statements (D and E) can increase stress and fear.

The Physician Has Asked You to Draw Blood from Peter