A phlebotomist observes a hematoma developing at the site of a venous blood draw. What should the phlebotomist do?
Observe the site to see whether the hematoma worsens.
Ask the patient to apply pressure to the area.
Release the tourniquet and stop the draw.
Call for a nurse and assess the patient's condition.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Simply observing the site to see if the hematoma worsens is not an appropriate response. While monitoring the development of a hematoma is part of the process, it is not a proactive measure to address the immediate issue. The phlebotomist must take action to prevent further injury or complication.
Choice B reason:
Asking the patient to apply pressure may be part of the post-venipuncture care, especially after the needle has been removed, to aid in stopping any bleeding. However, this does not address the immediate concern of a developing hematoma during the draw.
Choice C reason:
Releasing the tourniquet and stopping the draw is the correct action to take when a hematoma is observed. This response is in line with the standard procedure for when a complication arises during venipuncture. Stopping the draw helps prevent further blood from pooling and exacerbating the hematoma.
Choice D reason:
While calling for a nurse and assessing the patient's condition is important, especially if the phlebotomist needs assistance or the patient shows signs of distress, it should not be the first action taken. The immediate response should be to address the hematoma by stopping the draw.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The date of specimen collection is crucial for a laboratory report as it provides the context for the test results. It helps in assessing the timeliness and relevance of the results, especially when monitoring conditions that can change rapidly over time.
Choice B reason:
While the phlebotomist's initials may be recorded as part of the internal process for tracking specimen collection, they are not typically included in the patient's laboratory report. The focus of the report is on the patient and the test results, rather than on the personnel who collected the sample.
Choice C reason:
Patient diagnosis is not usually included in a laboratory report because the purpose of the report is to provide test results that may inform a diagnosis. The diagnosis is made by the healthcare provider based on the test results, along with other clinical information.
Choice D reason:
Values of previous tests may be referenced in a patient's medical record but are not a required element on a laboratory report. Each report typically presents the results of the current tests only. Comparisons to previous values, if needed, are made by the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Withdrawing the needle completely would be an incorrect action because it would end the procedure prematurely and require a new venipuncture, causing unnecessary discomfort to the patient. It should only be done if the venipuncture has been completed or if there is a need to stop due to a complication.
Choice B Reason:
Rotating the bevel of the needle could potentially reposition the needle for better blood flow if it has become occluded or is not properly aligned with the vein. However, this action should be done with caution to avoid causing injury to the vein or discomfort to the patient.
Choice C Reason:
Increasing tourniquet pressure is not advisable once blood flow has been established, as it could cause damage to the vein or hemolysis of the blood sample. The tourniquet should be released once the blood starts flowing into the first tube to avoid these issues.
Choice D Reason:
Activating a new evacuated tube is the correct action to take when blood flow stops upon attaching a second tube. This could indicate a problem with the vacuum in the tube rather than with the needle or the venipuncture site. Trying a new tube can resolve the issue without needing to adjust the needle or the patient's position.
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