Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Vasovagal Syncope During Venipuncture:Alleviating Symptoms Through Leg Muscle Tension And Moving Toes Sequentially, Velina Andrewski

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Venipuncture is a common medical procedure and is considered safe and routine. However, intermittent cases occur where patients develop symptoms of lightheadedness, nausea, weakness, and occasionally a full syncopal episode due to needle phobia, blood phobia, and pain associated with venipuncture. Vasovagal Reactions (VVR) or Vasovagal Syncope (VVS) during a venipuncture procedure can be distressing for the patient, the clinician, and disruptive to clinic routines. This paper examines whether techniques such as simple leg tensing and wiggling of toes can reduce or abort VVR/VVS completely as the patient undergoes venipuncture. Clinicians were instructed in techniques to use if the patient …