After anchoring the vein, which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take next?

Choice A reason:
A patient's room number is not a unique identifier as it is subject to change. Patients may be moved to different rooms during their hospital stay, and room numbers are not specific to individuals.

Choice B reason:
A patient's bed label is also not a unique identifier. Like room numbers, bed labels can change if patients are moved within the hospital for various reasons, such as changes in their medical condition or room availability.

Choice C reason:
The patient's inpatient chart demographic information is the correct unique identifier to use. This typically includes the patient's name, date of birth, and a unique medical record number assigned by the healthcare facility. These details are specific to the individual and do not change, making them reliable for patient identification.

Choice D reason:
A patient's verbal confirmation alone is not sufficient as a unique identifier. While it is important to engage the patient in the identification process, verbal confirmation must be used in conjunction with other identifiers to ensure accuracy, as patients may be confused or unable to communicate effectively.

Choice A Reason:
Contacting the physician by paging or calling right away is the most appropriate action when critical values are confirmed on a laboratory test. Critical values are defined as those that indicate the patient is in danger of death unless treatment is initiated immediately. Immediate notification of the responsible licensed caregiver is required so that appropriate clinical action can be taken for the patient. This is a standard procedure compliant with CLIA regulation 493.1109(f) and is essential for patient safety.

Choice B Reason:
Leaving a message at the physician's office number is not an adequate response to confirmed critical values. Messages can be overlooked or not checked until the next business day, which could delay necessary urgent medical interventions.

Choice C Reason:
Calling the physician's office on the next business day is not acceptable when dealing with critical values. The urgency of critical results requires immediate action, and waiting until the next business day could result in significant harm or death to the patient.

Choice D Reason:
Faxing the results to the physician's office with a stat fax cover is not sufficient for immediate communication of critical values. While the fax may indicate urgency, there is no guarantee that the fax will be seen immediately by the physician or their staff. Direct communication through paging or calling ensures that the critical information is relayed without delay.