When a phlebotomist's hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids, which of the following decontamination agents should the phlebotomist use to clean them?
Alcohol-based hand rub
Sterile water rinse
Soap and water
Alcohol rinse
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
An alcohol-based hand rub is generally used for hand hygiene when the hands are not visibly soiled. It is effective against many types of microbes but is not the best option for hands that are visibly dirty or contaminated with proteinaceous materials, such as blood or body fluids. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water in these situations.
Choice B reason:
Sterile water rinse alone is not sufficient for cleaning hands that are visibly soiled. While sterile water can be used to rinse off debris, it does not have the cleaning or antimicrobial properties necessary to properly decontaminate the hands.
Choice C reason:
Soap and water are the recommended decontamination agents when hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids. The physical action of handwashing, combined with the detergent properties of soap, effectively removes soil and transient microorganisms. The CDC guidelines specifically state that hands should be washed with soap and water when they are visibly dirty or contaminated with proteinaceous materia.
Choice D reason:
An alcohol rinse, similar to an alcohol-based hand rub, is not adequate for cleaning visibly soiled hands. Alcohol is a disinfectant that is effective against many germs when used on clean hands but does not remove visible dirt or organic material well.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A red-top tube is used for serum determinations in chemistry and should be allowed to clot completely, typically for 30 minutes, before centrifugation. Shipping after only 15 minutes may result in incomplete clotting and potentially inaccurate test results.
Choice B Reason:
Serum should not be separated from a lavender-top tube, as this type of tube contains EDTA and is used for whole blood tests, not serum. This indicates a misunderstanding of the tube's purpose and could lead to compromised test results.
Choice C Reason:
A tiger-top tube, also known as a serum separator tube, is used for various chemistry tests. However, bilirubin is light-sensitive, and specimens for bilirubin testing should be protected from light, not shipped in a clear bag. This could lead to degradation of the bilirubin and inaccurate results.
Choice D Reason:
A green-top tube contains heparin and is used for plasma determinations. Ammonia testing requires the plasma to be placed on ice immediately after collection to inhibit the continued production of ammonia from red blood cells. Therefore, shipping in an icy water mixture is the correct procedure to ensure accurate ammonia levels.
In conclusion, the proper preparation and transport of blood specimens are crucial for the accuracy of laboratory tests. The green-top tube for ammonia testing, shipped in an icy water mixture, is the only option that follows the correct protocol for specimen handling and transport.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Patient's insurance information is not typically included in the follow-up documentation of a stat result. Insurance information is relevant for billing purposes and does not pertain to the immediate clinical care or the communication of test results.
Choice B Reason:
The room number of the patient might be included in the internal documentation for logistical purposes but is not the primary piece of information required following a verbal report of a stat result. The focus should be on the communication details rather than the location.
Choice C Reason:
The name of the provider contacted is essential information in the follow-up documentation after a verbal report. This ensures that there is a record of who received the information, which is crucial for accountability and continuity of care.
Choice D Reason:
The provider's phone number is not necessary in the follow-up documentation if the name of the provider is already included. The phone number would have been used to make the initial contact, and the key information is the confirmation that the provider was reached and informed of the stat result.
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