A phlebotomist has entered incorrect information in a patient's paper chart after a venipuncture procedure. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to correct the error?
Notify the provider about the error.
Ask an administrator to erase the error and input the correct information.
Strike a line through the error and initial.
Erase the error and enter the correct information.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Inverting the tube 5 to 7 times may not be sufficient to mix the blood thoroughly with the EDTA. This could lead to partial clotting and potentially inaccurate test results. The EDTA anticoagulant works by binding calcium ions, which are necessary for blood clotting. Without adequate mixing, the EDTA may not be evenly distributed, leaving some areas of the blood sample able to clot.
Choice B Reason:
Inverting the tube only 2 to 4 times is inadequate for proper mixing. This minimal agitation would likely result in clot formation because the anticoagulant would not be sufficiently mixed with the blood. Clots can interfere with the accuracy of hematological tests by trapping cells and altering the specimen's composition.
Choice C Reason:
Inverting the tube 1 to 3 times is clearly insufficient and would almost certainly lead to clotting. The purpose of inverting the tube is to ensure that the EDTA coats all the blood cells, preventing coagulation. Such a low number of inversions would not allow for the anticoagulant to perform its function effectively.
Choice D Reason:
Inverting the tube 8 to 10 times is the recommended practice. This number of inversions ensures that the blood is fully mixed with the EDTA, preventing clot formation and preserving the integrity of the sample for accurate laboratory analysis. It is important to perform these inversions gently to avoid hemolysis, which can also affect test results. Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells are damaged and their contents leak out, which can happen if the blood is shaken too vigorously.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The evacuated tube system is designed for the collection of multiple blood specimens using interchangeable tubes. This system utilizes a double-pointed needle, one end of which goes into the patient's vein and the other into a vacuum tube. As the blood is drawn, it automatically fills the tube until the vacuum is exhausted. The phlebotomist can then easily replace the filled tube with another without removing the needle from the patient's vein, allowing for multiple samples to be taken during a single venipuncture.
Choice B Reason:
The hypodermic needle and syringe system is typically used for manual blood draws when the evacuated tube system is not suitable, such as with small or fragile veins. This system does not use interchangeable tubes; instead, the blood is drawn into a syringe and then transferred into the appropriate tubes, which can be time-consuming and increase the risk of hemolysis or contamination.
Choice C Reason:
A winged infusion set, also known as a butterfly needle, is often used for patients with difficult veins. Like the hypodermic needle and syringe system, it does not inherently allow for the use of interchangeable multi-sample tubes. Blood is collected into a syringe or a single tube attached to the butterfly needle, and changing tubes usually requires a new puncture for each sample.
Choice D Reason:
The lancet microcollection system is used for capillary blood collection, typically from a fingerstick or heelstick. It is used for small volume samples and does not accommodate interchangeable multi-sample tubes. This method is commonly used for pediatric patients or when only a small amount of blood is needed.
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