A woman begins to breathe rapidly while donating blood. Choose the correct course of action.

In the scenario where a woman begins to breathe rapidly while donating blood, the correct course of action is to discontinue the donation and provide a paper bag for her to breathe into. Rapid breathing may indicate hyperventilation, which can lead to feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, or even fainting. In such cases, providing a paper bag allows for the rebreathing of carbon dioxide, which can help to stabilize her breathing pattern and alleviate symptoms associated with hyperventilation.

Monitoring the patient's overall physiological response is essential during blood donation, as factors such as anxiety or the sight of blood can trigger these types of reactions. By stopping the donation, you prioritize her immediate health and comfort, ensuring that she does not experience any adverse effects from continuing the process while she is in distress. Providing her with a paper bag serves as a supportive measure to help manage her symptoms effectively.