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:
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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Stopping the procedure is the first and most critical action a phlebotomist should take if a patient slumps over during blood collection. The patient's safety is the primary concern, and continuing the procedure could cause further harm. The phlebotomist should immediately remove any needles or equipment from the patient to prevent injury.
Choice B Reason:
Alerting the supervisor is an important step, but it should come after ensuring the patient is safe and the procedure has been stopped. The supervisor will need to be informed of the incident to help manage the situation and provide assistance as needed.
Choice C Reason:
Documenting the incident is a necessary step for legal and medical records. However, it is not the first action to take. The patient's immediate well-being takes precedence over documentation, which can be completed after the situation is under control and the patient is stable.
Choice D Reason:
Sliding the patient to the floor may be necessary if the patient is at risk of falling from the chair. However, this should only be done after the procedure has been stopped, and if it is safe to move the patient. If the patient is unconscious, the phlebotomist may need to initiate CPR, which is best performed on a flat surface.
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