What should you do if a patient experiences a severe allergic reaction during blood collection?

In the event that a patient experiences a severe allergic reaction during blood collection, stopping the procedure immediately and administering emergency care is the appropriate action to take. Severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, can escalate rapidly and may pose significant risks to the patient’s health, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and a drop in blood pressure.

By stopping the procedure, you prevent any further exposure to potential allergens or stressors that could worsen the patient's condition. Administering emergency care, which may include calling for medical assistance, providing oxygen, or using an epinephrine auto-injector if available and the trained personnel have identified it as necessary, can stabilize the patient during this critical time.

Other approaches, such as monitoring the patient while continuing the procedure or simply waiting for assistance, could lead to serious consequences and delay necessary treatment. Ice application may not address the underlying allergic reaction and would not be an appropriate response to systemic symptoms. Therefore, immediate cessation of the blood collection and provision of emergency care is the most responsible course of action when faced with a severe allergic reaction.