A phlebotomist is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient who has self-reported needle phobia. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take?
Encourage the patient to chew gum during the procedure.
Instruct the patient to lie supine during the procedure.
Place the patient's elbow joint at 90 degrees of flexion.
Warm the site for 10 minutes before venipuncture.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sterile water is not an antiseptic; it does not contain antimicrobial agents. While it can be used to rinse a site, it will not disinfect the area before a venipuncture procedure. Therefore, it is not an appropriate substitute for alcohol in this context.
Choice B Reason:
Antiseptic foam may contain alcohol or other disinfectants. If it is alcohol-free, it could be a suitable alternative. However, without specific information about the ingredients, it cannot be assumed to be an appropriate choice for a patient allergic to alcohol.
Choice C Reason:
Chlorhexidine is a commonly used antiseptic for skin preparation before medical procedures, including venipuncture. It is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and is an appropriate alternative for patients who have an allergy to alcohol-based antiseptics.
Choice D Reason:
Saline solution is not an antiseptic. It is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water and does not have antimicrobial properties. Like sterile water, it is not suitable for disinfecting the venipuncture site.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
When a patient is under "Contact Precautions," it is recommended that healthcare workers don a gown upon entering the patient's room. This is to prevent the spread of infection through contact with the patient or their environment. The gown should be removed before leaving the room to avoid contaminating other areas.
Choice B Reason:
While a face shield may be necessary for certain procedures, it is not specifically required for "Contact Precautions." The primary concern with contact precautions is preventing the transmission of infections through touch, not through droplets, which is what a face shield would protect against.
Choice C Reason:
Donning a mask is not a standard requirement for "Contact Precautions" unless there is a risk of droplet transmission. In this scenario, the precautions are specifically for contact, and therefore, a mask alone would not be sufficient.
Choice D Reason:
Gloves should be donned before any potential contact with the patient or their immediate environment, not just after cleaning and evaluating the venipuncture site. Gloves are a critical component of PPE when dealing with patients under "Contact Precautions."
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