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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The date of birth is a common identifier, but it is not unique to an individual, as multiple patients may share the same birth date. While it is useful in conjunction with other identifiers, on its own, it does not provide a definitive identification.
Choice B reason:
The record number, often referred to as the medical record number, is a unique identifier assigned to each patient within a healthcare system. It is used to track patient information across different visits and services, making it the most reliable standalone identifier if the patient's name is not available.
Choice C reason:
An address can change over time and may not be unique, especially in large apartment buildings or for patients who are homeless or transient. It is also not specific enough to reliably identify a patient, as multiple individuals can reside at the same address.
Choice D reason:
The social security number is a unique identifier, but due to privacy concerns and the risk of identity theft, it is not the preferred method for patient identification in healthcare settings. Additionally, not all patients may have a social security number, such as non-residents or newborns.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Chilling the sample is the correct method for preparing a lactic acid sample for processing and transportation. Lactic acid levels can continue to change after the blood is drawn due to ongoing cellular metabolism. Chilling the sample slows down this metabolism, preserving the accuracy of the lactic acid measurement. The sample should be placed on ice or in a refrigerated environment as soon as possible after collection.
Choice B reason:
While protecting the sample from light is important for some types of specimens, it is not the primary concern for lactic acid samples. The key factor for lactic acid stability is temperature control, not light exposure. Therefore, while it may be beneficial to keep the sample out of direct sunlight, chilling it is the priority to prevent changes in lactic acid levels.
Choice C reason:
Attaching a heat block to the sample is not a recommended method for lactic acid samples. Heat can increase metabolic activity, potentially altering the lactic acid levels in the sample. This would lead to inaccurate results, as the goal is to preserve the state of the sample at the time of collection.
Choice D reason:
Freezing the sample is not typically recommended for immediate processing and transportation of a lactic acid sample. While freezing can preserve certain types of specimens for long-term storage, it is not necessary for short-term transport and can cause issues such as hemolysis, which may interfere with the test results.
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