NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

If a patient refuses to have blood drawn, the phlebotomist should:

1. Send another phlebotomist to collect the specimen.

2. Report the situation to the nursing station.

3. Return the requisition form to the laboratory.

4. Ask someone to hold the patient and collect the specimen.

The correct answer is: Report the situation to the nursing station.

When a patient refuses to have blood drawn, it is essential for the phlebotomist to communicate this situation appropriately. Reporting the refusal to the nursing station is correct because it ensures that the patient's decision is documented and that the healthcare team is aware of the situation. It allows the nurses or doctors to follow up with the patient, address any concerns they may have, and ensure that the refusal is acknowledged within the patient's medical record. This action respects the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own medical care. It also helps maintain a professional standard of care and promotes effective communication among the healthcare team. Addressing the refusal in this way protects both the patient's rights and the integrity of the clinical process. Other choices, such as sending another phlebotomist, returning the requisition form, or asking someone to hold the patient, do not respect the patient's wishes and can lead to further ethical and legal implications.