A donor experiences perioral paresthesia during an apheresis procedure. What should be performed?

During an apheresis procedure, if a donor begins to experience perioral paresthesia, it is indicative of potential hypocalcemia, which can occur due to the citrate anticoagulant used during the process. This sensation is often related to the rapid removal of calcium from the bloodstream, leading to tingling around the mouth and possibly other symptoms.

Reducing the flow rate is the appropriate response in this scenario. By decreasing the flow rate, you allow the donor's body more time to adjust to the removal of blood and may help to mitigate the effects of citrate toxicity. This can also help prevent the symptoms from worsening, providing the donor with a more stable and comfortable experience.

Increasing the flow rate would likely exacerbate the situation, as it would mean introducing more citrate and further decreasing calcium levels. Elevating the donor's feet could assist with circulation but would not directly address the cause of paresthesia. Having the donor breathe into a paper bag is typically associated with hyperventilation syndrome, which is not relevant in this context. Therefore, reducing the flow rate is the most effective and direct intervention for managing perioral paresthesia during apheresis.