Blood

A: Hi Mr C*. How are you doing?
B: Hi love. Not too bad (with a big smile)

A: (head nodding) I'm one of the student doctors here. I need to take some blood from you. Alright?
B: My blood? you? No, no no. I want an expert. Believe me, I have terrible vein. You won't get any blood. See (showing his bruised arms)

A: Oh, I see. Hmm, if you don't mind let me have a look first (applying tourniquet to his arm). Pump your hand open and close for me please.
B: Are you sure you want to try? Just once, OK? If you fail, i don't want any blood test today anymore. Deal?

A: I'll try my best Mr C. I can feel your vein here (giving no choice for him to say no)
B: OK, go ahead, be quick. I'm not gonna look.

A: Hey, I can see your blood flowing through the tube (very slow though, only half of FBE tube, should be enough for that. but U&E? CRP? LFT? CMP?
B: It gonna stop,won't be enough for three tubes. Not gonna give you blood (grinning at A)

A: Don't say that, now I'm gonna try moving the needle a bit, please don't move Mr C (arghhhh, no flow, try another vacutainer tube, still no flow)
B: (i told you so)

A: (give up) alright Mr C, I'll take the needle out now.
B: OK. I want my blood back. Don't throw it away! Such a waste (smile to ears)

A few minutes later, a nurse come for another venepuncture.

Moral of the story:
1. Give a try before you say no. Challenge yourself, you might be surprised with the outcome.
2. Believe what your patients say. They know their body best! More than you.
3. Persevere. Be patient. Practice make perfect.
4. Take it easy, be cool even though you lose a bet.
5. You won't be able to say no to the doctor or nurse 'cos they will find a way to convince you.


*Mr C is a 45 year-old schizophrenic man, BIBA to ED with acute dyspnoea, and wheezing. He has a b/g hx of poorly controlled asthma, hepatitis C, 150 pack-year smoking hx and COPD.