How to Answer: What are some things to consider when drawing blood from a pediatric patient?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Phlebotomist job interview.
26. What are some things to consider when drawing blood from a pediatric patient?
How to Answer
There could be several different answers for this question. Many people in the medical profession choose not to work with pediatric patients for various reasons. Phlebotomists are not given a 'specialty area' to work in, however. The interviewer wants to know that you are mindful that children may be difficult, at times, but that you are confident about working with them.
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Entry Level
"Pediatric patients are usually afraid of needles, and some often fight when they know they have to have their blood drawn. Safety is one of the main things to consider; so, if a patient is combative, it is best to wait to draw his blood until he is calmed."
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the most important things to consider when drawing from a pediatric patient is making sure that a parent or legal guardian is present and gives consent."
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Experienced
"I can think of a few different factors to consider when performing a venipuncture on a child. First, and most importantly, a parent or guardian must sign consent for the procedure to be performed. If the patient is old enough to explain the procedure to, it is a good idea to explain what is going to be done and why, and to assure the patient that the procedure will only take a minute or two. Also educating a child as to why the test needs to be done at a level they can understand is often helpful."
Written by Darby Faubion