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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Using a needle at a 45° angle does not typically result in collapsing the vein. A collapsed vein is more likely due to excessive vacuum pressure from the tube, a very small or fragile vein, or the tourniquet being too tight.
Choice B reason:
At a 45° angle, the needle is more likely to penetrate through the entire depth of the vein, especially if the vein is superficial. This can result in a failed venipuncture because the needle has entered and exited the vein, missing the opportunity to collect blood.
Choice C reason:
While a steep angle like 45° could cause the needle to miss the vein superficially, it is more likely that the needle would go through the vein at this angle rather than merely missing it superficially. A superficial miss is more likely with an angle that is too shallow.
Choice D reason:
Contacting the upper wall of the vein alone would not necessarily result in a failed venipuncture. However, at a 45° angle, the needle could easily slip through the vein entirely after contacting the upper wall, especially if the vein is not anchored well.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The axillary vein is not commonly used for routine venipuncture due to its location in the armpit area, where it is more difficult to access and poses a higher risk of complications.
Choice B reason:
The median cubital vein is often the vein of choice for venipuncture due to its size and accessibility. However, in the case of a patient with bilateral scarring on the forearms, this vein may be compromised, making it a less suitable option.
Choice C reason:
The basilic vein, while also a common site for venipuncture, is located on the inner aspect of the arm and may be affected by the scarring on the patient's forearms. Additionally, it is closer to nerves and arteries, which increases the risk of complications.
Choice D reason:
The dorsal hand veins are a good alternative for venipuncture when the more common sites are not available, such as in the case of a patient with bilateral scarring on the forearms. These veins are usually more superficial and can be accessed with minimal risk of complications.
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