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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Notifying the provider about the error is an important step, but it does not correct the error in the patient's chart. Communication with the provider ensures that they are aware of the mistake and can make informed decisions regarding patient care. However, the physical correction of the documentation is also necessary to maintain accurate medical records.
Choice B Reason:
Asking an administrator to erase the error is not a recommended practice. Erasing or using correction fluid can make the chart appear tampered with, which can have legal implications. It is essential that the original entry remains visible to preserve the integrity of the medical record.
Choice C Reason:
Striking a line through the error and initialing is the correct method for correcting a written error in a patient's chart¹². This approach allows the original entry to remain legible, which is crucial for legal and clinical reasons. It also shows that the correction was made by an authorized individual, as the initials indicate who made the change.
Choice D Reason:
Erasing the error and entering the correct information is not an acceptable practice for the same reasons as choice B. It is important not to remove or conceal the original entry, as this could be considered falsifying medical records.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Reporting the needlestick to the supervisor is an important step in the post-exposure protocol, but it is not the first action that should be taken. The immediate priority is to address the potential exposure to pathogens by cleansing the wound.
Choice B Reason:
Completing the blood draw is not the appropriate first action after a needlestick injury. The phlebotomist's health and safety take precedence, and the procedure should be paused to address the injury.
Choice C Reason:
Washing the area with soap and water is the first and most critical action to take after an accidental needlestick. This helps to remove any blood or pathogens that may have been introduced to the wound site. It is essential to do this immediately to reduce the risk of infection.
Choice D Reason:
Seeking immediate treatment is a necessary step, but it follows the initial cleansing of the wound. After washing the area, the phlebotomist should then report the incident and seek medical advice to assess the need for further treatment, such as post-exposure prophylaxis.
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