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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Warfarin does not typically require a fasting state before blood is drawn for testing. The medication's effect on clotting factors is independent of food intake. Therefore, a fasting requirement is not anticipated for patients taking warfarin unless specified for other concurrent tests.
Choice B Reason:
There is no need for an alternate antiseptic due to warfarin use. Standard antiseptic procedures are sufficient when drawing blood from patients on warfarin. The choice of antiseptic would be more influenced by patient allergies or specific institutional protocols.
Choice C Reason:
Patients on warfarin have an increased bleeding time because the medication is an anticoagulant, which means it works to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood. This can lead to prolonged bleeding after a venipuncture, and phlebotomists should be prepared to apply pressure for a longer time to ensure hemostasis.
Choice D Reason:
Placing a specimen on ice is not a standard procedure for blood samples taken for warfarin monitoring, which is typically done through a PT/INR test. This test measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is not affected by temperature in the same way that tests for certain enzymes or gases might be.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Body temperature does not significantly affect serum cortisol levels and is not a factor that needs to be considered when planning to collect a cortisol specimen. Cortisol levels are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and not by body temperature.
Choice B Reason:
Time of day is a critical factor to consider when collecting a specimen for serum cortisol level measurement. Cortisol levels follow a diurnal pattern, peaking in the early morning hours and declining throughout the day, with the lowest levels typically occurring around midnight¹². This variation is known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and is important for accurately interpreting the results of the test.
Choice C Reason:
Alcohol consumption can affect cortisol levels; however, it is not typically a factor that a phlebotomist needs to consider immediately before specimen collection unless the patient is under the influence at the time of the test. Chronic alcohol use can lead to alterations in cortisol levels, but this is more of a consideration for the healthcare provider interpreting the results rather than the phlebotomist collecting the specimen.
Choice D Reason:
Prandial status, or the fed or fasting state of the patient, can influence cortisol levels, but it is not as significant a factor as the time of day. Cortisol levels can be slightly higher after eating, but this effect is generally considered minimal. The primary concern for prandial status would be if the cortisol test is being conducted alongside other tests that require fasting.
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.