A phlebotomist receives an accidental needlestick, which of the following actions should be taken first?
Report the needlestick to the supervisor.
Complete the blood draw.
Wash the area with soap and water.
Seek immediate treatment.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Reporting the needlestick to the supervisor is an important step in the post-exposure protocol, but it is not the first action that should be taken. The immediate priority is to address the potential exposure to pathogens by cleansing the wound.
Choice B Reason:
Completing the blood draw is not the appropriate first action after a needlestick injury. The phlebotomist's health and safety take precedence, and the procedure should be paused to address the injury.
Choice C Reason:
Washing the area with soap and water is the first and most critical action to take after an accidental needlestick. This helps to remove any blood or pathogens that may have been introduced to the wound site. It is essential to do this immediately to reduce the risk of infection.
Choice D Reason:
Seeking immediate treatment is a necessary step, but it follows the initial cleansing of the wound. After washing the area, the phlebotomist should then report the incident and seek medical advice to assess the need for further treatment, such as post-exposure prophylaxis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Capturing the initial stream of urine, also known as the "first catch," is not recommended for a urine culture. This part of the urine stream can contain contaminants from the urethral opening and is not ideal for culture testing, which requires a clean sample.
Choice B reason:
Cleaning the genital area prior to collection is crucial for obtaining a clean-catch urine specimen. This reduces the risk of contamination from bacteria that are normally present on the skin around the urinary opening. Patients should be instructed to use antiseptic wipes to clean the area before collecting the urine sample.
Choice C reason:
Filling the container to capacity is not necessary and is not a specific instruction for urine culture collection. The focus should be on obtaining a midstream sample after the genital area has been cleaned, which provides a more accurate representation of the urine for culture purposes.
Choice D reason:
Labeling the lid prior to collection is an important step in the process to ensure proper identification of the specimen. However, it is not the primary instruction related to the actual collection of the urine sample. The label should include the patient's name, date, and time of collection and should be done after the sample is collected to avoid confusion or contamination.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The nondominant dorsal hand is not typically recommended for dermal specimen collection in toddlers due to the thinness of the skin and the proximity of bones and tendons, which increases the risk of injury.
Choice B reason:
The dominant lateral plantar heel is also not an ideal site for dermal specimen collection in toddlers. The heel is a common site for blood collection in neonates, but as children grow, the skin on the heel thickens, and the risk of hitting bone increases.
Choice C reason:
The nondominant third finger is the recommended site for dermal specimen collection in toddlers over one year of age. The palmar surface of the distal phalanx of the middle or ring finger provides a sufficient area for puncture while minimizing the risk of injury to underlying structures.
Choice D reason:
The dominant antecubital space is not a typical site for dermal specimen collection, especially in toddlers. This area is generally used for venipuncture due to the presence of larger veins suitable for this type of blood collection
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