After explaining the process, you are drawing blood on 82-year-old Mrs. Green using an evacuated tube system. As you insert the third tube into the holder, the Mrs. Green begins to cry. You ask if she is in pain and she says, "No, but I am so scared! Why do they need this much blood? I must have a terrible disease!" Which of the following is your best response?
A) "If you have a terrible disease, wouldn't you rather know about it?"
B) "We don't really need this much blood-we always draw a couple of extra tubes."
C) "Drawing blood does not necessarily mean you are ill; blood tests are one of the best ways to get an overall picture of your health."
D) "I am drawing several tubes of blood because, at your age, there are many different tests that we have to run."
E) "Don't worry; I'm sure everything will be fine."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option C is the best response because it provides reassurance without making assumptions about the patient's health status. It explains the purpose of blood tests in a general sense, which can help alleviate the patient's fears without dismissing them.

After Explaining the Process, You Are Drawing Blood on 82-Year-Old