A phlebotomist is preparing to perform venipuncture for blood collection from a 6-year-old patient. Which of the following needles should the phlebotomist use?
16-gauge
18-gauge
23-gauge
27-gauge
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
A 16-gauge needle is quite large and is typically used for rapid fluid administration or blood donation in adults. It is not suitable for pediatric patients due to the size of their veins and the potential for causing trauma and discomfort.
Choice B reason:
An 18-gauge needle is also large and commonly used for adult patients in situations where larger volumes of blood are needed quickly. For a 6-year-old patient, this gauge would be too large and could cause significant pain and increase the risk of damaging the vein.
Choice C reason:
A 23-gauge needle is recommended for pediatric patients, including those who are 6 years old. It is small enough to minimize discomfort and the risk of injuring the vein, yet it allows for adequate blood flow for collection³. This size needle is often used with a winged infusion set, which is suitable for the smaller, more fragile veins of pediatric patients.
Choice D reason:
A 27-gauge needle is very small and is typically used for intradermal injections or for very small veins, such as those in neonates. While it would cause minimal discomfort, it may not provide an adequate flow rate for venipuncture in a 6-year-old patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The flavor of the glucose solution is not a relevant factor to document during a glucose tolerance test. The flavor does not affect the test outcome and is not a required piece of information for the test's validity or interpretation.
Choice B reason:
Documenting the time the glucose load was completed is crucial. The glucose tolerance test is time-sensitive, and blood samples are taken at specific intervals after the glucose solution is ingested. Accurate timing ensures that the results are valid and that any changes in blood glucose levels are correctly attributed to the patient's metabolic response to the glucose load.
Choice C reason:
While the amount of water ingested during the procedure may be noted for patient comfort, it is not typically a required piece of documentation. The focus of the glucose tolerance test is on the patient's response to the glucose solution, not on the volume of water consumed.
Choice D reason:
The volume of blood obtained during the procedure is generally standardized based on the test requirements and does not need to be documented each time. The phlebotomist must ensure that enough blood is collected for the analysis, but the exact volume is determined by the collection tubes used, which are designed to draw a specific volume.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Collecting stool directly into a sterile container is not related to providing a sputum specimen. Stool samples are collected for different types of tests, such as fecal occult blood tests or microbiological cultures, and are not used for respiratory assessments.
Choice B reason:
Discarding the first urine of the day and collecting for 24 hours is a procedure for a 24-hour urine collection test, which is used to assess kidney function and other conditions. This process is unrelated to sputum specimen collection, which is used to evaluate respiratory infections or conditions.
Choice C reason:
Aggressively swabbing the inside of the cheek is a method used to collect cells for DNA testing or to check for oral infections. This action does not pertain to sputum collection, which requires a sample from the lower respiratory tract.
Choice D reason:
Taking a deep breath and then expectorating (coughing up and spitting out) is the correct method for providing a sputum specimen. This technique ensures that the sputum comes from deep within the lungs, which is necessary for accurate analysis of respiratory pathogens or cells.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.