A phlebotomist should verify that a patient has fasted for how long prior to obtaining a fasting specimen?
8 to 12 hours
1 to 2 hours
4 to 6 hours
24 hours
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The standard recommendation for fasting before a blood specimen collection is typically between 8 to 12 hours¹²³. This duration is considered sufficient to ensure that food intake does not affect the blood test results, such as glucose or lipid levels.
Choice B reason:
A fasting period of 1 to 2 hours is too short and would not provide an accurate representation of the body's baseline levels for most tests that require fasting. It is important for certain levels, like blood sugar and lipids, to stabilize, which takes longer than 1 to 2 hours.
Choice C reason:
Fasting for 4 to 6 hours may be appropriate for some tests, but it is not the standard fasting duration for most blood tests that require fasting. The shorter time might not allow for the clearance of lipids and glucose from the bloodstream that can influence the test outcomes.
Choice D reason:
A 24-hour fast is generally not required for routine fasting blood tests and could be potentially harmful, as it may lead to hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients or those with metabolic disorders. It is excessive for the purposes of standard blood tests.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Occult blood detection is not a process that occurs naturally after a venipuncture to control bleeding. It is a laboratory test used to detect blood in the stool that is not visible to the naked eye. This test is unrelated to the venipuncture process.
Choice B reason:
The term "Phlebotomists" refers to healthcare professionals who perform venipuncture. It is not a process but a profession. Therefore, it does not fit the context of the question regarding the control of bleeding after venipuncture.
Choice C reason:
Hematopoiesis is the process of creating new blood cells in the body and occurs in the bone marrow. While it is an ongoing process essential for replenishing the body's blood supply, it is not directly related to controlling bleeding after a venipuncture.
Choice D reason:
Hemoconcentration is a condition where the blood concentration of cells and solids is higher than normal, usually due to a loss of plasma. This can occur during venipuncture if the tourniquet is left on for too long, but it is not a process used to control bleeding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Leaving a patient's record on a countertop while assisting other patients is not an acceptable HIPAA practice. Patient records contain sensitive information and should be kept secure at all times to maintain confidentiality. Leaving them in a place where unauthorized individuals could potentially access them violates HIPAA regulations.
Choice B reason:
Discarding patient contact information in the trash is a violation of HIPAA rules. Any documents containing patient information must be disposed of through secure methods, such as shredding, to ensure that the information cannot be retrieved or used improperly.
Choice C reason:
Sharing passwords with anyone, including coworkers, is against HIPAA guidelines and general security best practices. Each staff member should have a unique login credential to ensure that access can be tracked and that each person is accountable for their actions within the system.
Choice D reason:
Discussing patient information with an assisting coworker is acceptable under HIPAA, provided that the coworker has a legitimate need to know the information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations purposes. This type of sharing is necessary for collaborative care and is permitted as long as it is done in a manner that protects the patient's privacy.
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