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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose diabetes by measuring the body's response to glucose over a period of time. It is not used to identify bacteremia, which is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice B Reason:
A peripheral blood smear involves examining a sample of blood under a microscope to look for abnormalities in blood cells. While it can reveal signs of infection, it does not specifically identify bacteremia.
Choice C Reason:
A blood culture is the primary test used to detect bacteremia. It involves taking a sample of blood and incubating it to see if bacteria grow, which would indicate the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice D Reason:
Lactic acid levels in the blood are measured to assess the severity of sepsis, a condition that can result from bacteremia. Elevated lactic acid can indicate that tissues are not getting enough oxygen, but the test itself does not identify bacteremia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A multipart requisition involves multiple copies of a paper form, which can be prone to errors due to manual entry, misplacement, or illegible handwriting. While it provides physical copies for various departments, it is not the most accurate method compared to digital solutions.
Choice B Reason:
A manual requisition is similar to a multipart requisition but typically consists of a single form. It carries the same risks of human error and does not offer the benefits of automated tracking and data entry that come with electronic systems.
Choice C Reason:
An automated requisition is considered the most accurate method for receiving orders for specimen collection. It reduces the risk of human error associated with manual data entry and allows for better tracking and integration with laboratory information systems. Automated systems can also provide immediate feedback if there is an issue with the order, such as a missing patient identifier or a test code.
Choice D Reason:
A verbal requisition is the least reliable method as it depends on the memory and communication skills of the individuals involved. It lacks the documentation and verification steps present in written or automated methods, making it susceptible to misunderstandings and errors.
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