A culture and sensitivity test is sent to which of the following divisions of a clinical laboratory?

Choice A Reason:
Anchoring the vein does not eliminate the need for a tourniquet. The tourniquet is applied to engorge the veins, making them more prominent and easier to puncture. Anchoring is a technique used after the tourniquet has already accomplished this task.

Choice B Reason:
While anchoring the vein can provide a more stable area for needle insertion, which might indirectly reduce pain, its primary purpose is not pain reduction. Pain during needle insertion is more directly influenced by the needle gauge, angle of insertion, and the phlebotomist's technique.

Choice C Reason:
Improving vein identification is not the direct purpose of anchoring. Vein identification is typically done visually and by palpation before the application of the tourniquet and before anchoring the vein. Anchoring is performed to stabilize the vein once it has been identified.

Choice D Reason:
The primary purpose of anchoring the vein is to minimize its movement during venipuncture. This is important because it helps prevent the needle from slipping out of or through the vein, which can cause discomfort and bruising, and may require another puncture attempt.

Choice A Reason:
Encouraging the patient to chew gum during the procedure may serve as a distraction, which can be helpful for some patients. However, this is not a widely recommended practice for reducing needle phobia. Distraction techniques can be beneficial, but they should be tailored to the individual patient's preferences and should not interfere with the procedure.

Choice B Reason:
Instructing the patient to lie supine during the procedure can help prevent fainting and reduce anxiety for some patients. This position is often used for patients who have a history of fainting or feel dizzy during blood draws. However, it is not specifically targeted at managing needle phobia.

Choice C Reason:
Placing the patient's elbow joint at 90 degrees of flexion is a standard practice to stabilize the arm and provide an optimal angle for venipuncture. While this is a necessary step in the procedure, it does not directly address the patient's needle phobia.

Choice D Reason:
Warming the site for 10 minutes before venipuncture is a technique used to enhance vein visibility and elasticity, making the venipuncture easier and potentially less painful. This can be particularly helpful for patients with needle phobia, as a smoother and quicker procedure may reduce anxiety and discomfort.