A phlebotomist is preparing to perform a venipuncture. Which of the following needle positions should the phlebotomist use?
Bevel down at a 30° angle
Bevel up at a 45° angle
Bevel up at a 30° angle
Bevel down at a 45° angle
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Having the bevel down at a 30° angle is not the correct needle position for venipuncture. The bevel of the needle should be facing up to allow for a smoother insertion and to minimize the risk of damaging the vein or causing discomfort to the patient.
Choice B reason:
Positioning the bevel up at a 45° angle is not recommended for venipuncture as this angle is too steep and could lead to the needle penetrating through the vein, potentially causing a hematoma or other complications.
Choice C reason:
The bevel up at a 30° angle is the correct position for venipuncture. This position allows the phlebotomist to insert the needle with the bevel facing upwards, which is the sharpest part of the needle, ensuring a clean entry into the vein. The 30° angle is shallow enough to enter the vein without going through it and causing injury.
Choice D reason:
A bevel down at a 45° angle is incorrect for the same reasons as choice B. Additionally, with the bevel down, the non-beveled side, which is duller, would make the initial contact with the skin, potentially causing more pain and making it more difficult to penetrate the vein.
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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Holding the two slides at a 90-degree angle is not the correct technique for performing a blood smear. This angle is too steep and would not allow the blood to spread thinly across the slide, which is necessary for creating a quality smear that can be examined under a microscope.
Choice B reason:
Allowing the blood drop to clot slightly before performing the smear is not advisable. Clotting can interfere with the spread of the blood and the formation of a monolayer, which is essential for accurate microscopic examination. The blood should be fresh and anticoagulated to prevent clotting.
Choice C reason:
Holding the slides at a 30-degree angle is the correct technique for performing a blood smear. This angle allows the spreader slide to push the blood drop smoothly across the patient slide, creating a thin, even layer of blood that is ideal for microscopic analysis. The angle, speed, and pressure must be consistent to achieve a quality smear.
Choice D reason:
Allowing the blood drop to clot completely before performing the smear would make it impossible to create a smear. Clotted blood cannot be spread into a thin layer, which is necessary for microscopic examination of the blood cells.
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