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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The date of specimen collection is crucial for a laboratory report as it provides the context for the test results. It helps in assessing the timeliness and relevance of the results, especially when monitoring conditions that can change rapidly over time.
Choice B reason:
While the phlebotomist's initials may be recorded as part of the internal process for tracking specimen collection, they are not typically included in the patient's laboratory report. The focus of the report is on the patient and the test results, rather than on the personnel who collected the sample.
Choice C reason:
Patient diagnosis is not usually included in a laboratory report because the purpose of the report is to provide test results that may inform a diagnosis. The diagnosis is made by the healthcare provider based on the test results, along with other clinical information.
Choice D reason:
Values of previous tests may be referenced in a patient's medical record but are not a required element on a laboratory report. Each report typically presents the results of the current tests only. Comparisons to previous values, if needed, are made by the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.