Why should you avoid clenching and unclenching of the fist during a blood draw?

Thus, fist clenching during phlebotomy leads to an increase in the local potassium concentration that could mislead clinicians about the true plasma or serum potassium concentration in their patients.

What does making a fist do when drawing blood?

It is commonplace for clinical staff tasked with blood sample collection to ask patients to make a fist before venipuncture; it reportedly helps by making veins more visible. Patients may also be asked to maintain a clenched fist during the procedure.

Should you clench your fist during blood test?

Patients should not be made to tightly clench their fists during phlebotomy procedures because it can cause misleadingly high blood potassium readings, according to a study.

How can I lower my potassium level?

Home remedies for reducing potassium

1. Reduce your potassium intake. One of the easiest ways to lower your potassium levels naturally is to reduce the amount of potassium in your diet.
2. Check your salt substitutes. Some salt substitutes are also high in potassium.
3. Drink more water.
4. Avoid certain herbs.

What autoimmune disease causes high potassium?

Other signs and symptoms of autoimmune Addison disease include low levels of sugar (hypoglycemia) and sodium (hyponatremia) and high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) in the blood.

Does making a fist increase blood pressure?

No systematic effect (lower or higher blood pressure) from making a fist was observed, but individual effects were often marked, as evidenced by the median absolute differences (regardless of ‘+’ or ‘-‘ sign) between the duplicate readings: 5 (range 0-31) versus 3 (0-18) mmHg for systolic blood pressure, and 4 (0-22) …

Why do dementia patients clench their fists?

The researchers think clenching a fist activates specific brain regions that are associated with memory processing. Lead scientist Ruth Propper, of Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, said the research suggests simple body movements can improve memory by temporarily changing the way the brain functions.

What does your fist tell about you?

Generally, one makes a fist in order to punch someone or something, but making a fist can also be used as a way to reveal your personality. Just like your facial shape, nail shape and lip shape, all are telling things about you to people who see you. And so does the way you clench your fist.

What are the symptoms of too much potassium in your system?

Hyperkalemia symptoms include:

• Abdominal (belly) pain and diarrhea.
• Chest pain.
• Heart palpitations or arrhythmia (irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat).
• Muscle weakness or numbness in limbs.
• Nausea and vomiting.