Quick question!

We wouldnt do this on our med/surg floor. Most likely they would be sent to lab and they would do the draw in outpatient setting and send them home.

Had a pt. today who came in with headache, sats 68-70% on RA who has Polycythemia. Ruled out Bleed. ER doc admits to PMD consult with Onc. and has orders to Withdrawn of Blood 350cc over 1hr monitor for hypotension. Since I was Charge I clarified it with House sup. who says he will check with policy. He returns call and states NO! My docs get upset stating that a Phlebo or nurse can pull a pint of blood from a person off the street and send them on there way. In short I have the pt stay and we proceded to have in done in ED. I do understand that this could be stressful up in Med.surg. I always look out for the pt and the RN up there.... Do others do this and is it within Our Scope?

I routinely withdrew blood on my homebound Polycythemic patient once a month with no adverse effects. :)