A patient suspected of having a severe medication reaction goes into shock. Which of the following first aid measures should the phlebotomist take?
Keep the patient as upright as possible.
Provide a cooling blanket.
Administer oral fluids.
Maintain an open airway.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Keeping the patient as upright as possible is not recommended in cases of shock. When a patient is in shock, it is important to lay them down and elevate their legs slightly, unless this position causes pain or further injury. This position helps improve blood flow to the brain.
Choice B Reason:
Providing a cooling blanket is not a standard first aid measure for shock due to a medication reaction. A cooling blanket may be used in cases of hyperthermia or heatstroke to reduce body temperature, but not typically for shock, which requires maintaining normal body temperature and preventing chilling.
Choice C Reason:
Administering oral fluids to a patient in shock is not advisable. During shock, a patient may have an impaired swallowing reflex or be unconscious, increasing the risk of aspiration. It is best to avoid giving anything by mouth until medical personnel arrive.
Choice D Reason:
Maintaining an open airway is crucial for a patient in shock. Ensuring that the airway is clear allows the patient to breathe effectively, which is essential for delivering oxygen to the tissues and organs. If the patient is unconscious or has an altered level of consciousness, the phlebotomist should check for breathing and begin CPR if necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Expired tubes may lose their vacuum, which is necessary to draw the correct volume of blood into the tube. The vacuum in blood collection tubes ensures that the correct amount of blood is drawn. If the vacuum is lost, the blood will not be drawn into the tube properly, which can lead to underfilling and affect the test results.
Choice B reason:
Hemoconcentration refers to an increase in the concentration of cells and solids in the blood, usually because of a loss of plasma. While this can occur due to prolonged tourniquet application or dehydration, it is not directly caused by the use of expired tubes.
Choice C reason:
Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells, which can release hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma. It can be caused by physical damage, such as from a needle during blood draw, but is not a consequence of using expired tubes. However, if an expired tube causes improper blood draw due to loss of vacuum, it could indirectly lead to hemolysis due to multiple attempts to draw blood.
Choice D reason:
An elevation of the red blood cell count would not be directly caused by using expired tubes. The red blood cell count is determined by the body's production and destruction of red blood cells, not by the collection method or equipment used.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The left antecubital area is the correct site to perform venipuncture on a patient who has had a right-sided mastectomy. It is recommended to avoid the side of the mastectomy due to the risk of lymphedema and other complications associated with the removal of lymph nodes during the surgery. The left antecubital fossa, which is the area in front of the elbow, is a common site for venipuncture and is generally safe for use when the right side cannot be used.
Choice B reason:
The right cephalic vein should be avoided in a patient with a right-sided mastectomy. Venipuncture on the same side as the mastectomy can increase the risk of complications, including lymphedema, which is a condition characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation. Therefore, the right cephalic vein is not an appropriate choice.
Choice C reason:
The left femoral artery is not a venipuncture site; it is an arterial site. Venipuncture refers to accessing a vein, not an artery, for blood collection. Additionally, arterial puncture is a more invasive procedure typically reserved for arterial blood gas analysis and is not performed for routine venipuncture.
Choice D reason:
Similar to choice B, the right basilic vein should be avoided for venipuncture in a patient who has had a right-sided mastectomy. The basilic vein is located on the inner side of the arm and using it could pose the same risks as using the right cephalic vein, including the potential for lymphedema.
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