Which of the following accommodations should a phlebotomist make to increase a patient's comfort for venipuncture?
Turn the patient's hand palm down.
Place the patient in a supine position.
Bend the patient's arm at the elbow.
Position the patient's hand at waist level.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Turning the patient's hand palm down is not typically recommended as it can make the veins less accessible and may cause discomfort to the patient. The veins on the back of the hand are more superficial and can be more easily accessed when the hand is palm up.
Choice B reason:
Placing the patient in a supine position is not necessary for all venipuncture procedures and is usually reserved for patients who have a history of fainting or for those who are already lying down due to their medical condition. It is not a position that specifically increases comfort during the procedure.
Choice C reason:
Bending the patient's arm at the elbow can actually hinder the blood draw process as it may cause the veins to be less prominent and can lead to discomfort or movement during the venipuncture, potentially causing injury or an unsuccessful draw.
Choice D reason:
Positioning the patient's hand at waist level is the correct choice as it allows the arm to be in a natural, relaxed position, which can help the veins to be more prominent and accessible. It also helps in reducing the patient's anxiety as the arm is not in an awkward or strained position.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The flavor of the glucose solution is not a relevant factor to document during a glucose tolerance test. The flavor does not affect the test outcome and is not a required piece of information for the test's validity or interpretation.
Choice B reason:
Documenting the time the glucose load was completed is crucial. The glucose tolerance test is time-sensitive, and blood samples are taken at specific intervals after the glucose solution is ingested. Accurate timing ensures that the results are valid and that any changes in blood glucose levels are correctly attributed to the patient's metabolic response to the glucose load.
Choice C reason:
While the amount of water ingested during the procedure may be noted for patient comfort, it is not typically a required piece of documentation. The focus of the glucose tolerance test is on the patient's response to the glucose solution, not on the volume of water consumed.
Choice D reason:
The volume of blood obtained during the procedure is generally standardized based on the test requirements and does not need to be documented each time. The phlebotomist must ensure that enough blood is collected for the analysis, but the exact volume is determined by the collection tubes used, which are designed to draw a specific volume.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Covering the spill until maintenance arrives is not an appropriate response to a blood spill. This action does not neutralize any potential pathogens present in the blood, which could pose a risk of infection to others. Immediate cleanup is necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, and simply covering the spill does not meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for bloodborne pathogens, which require the spill to be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant.
Choice B Reason:
Pouring bleach on the spill and allowing it to soak for 60 seconds is the recommended action because bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of pathogens, including those that might be present in venous blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 1:10 dilution of household bleach for effectively disinfecting blood spills. After pouring the bleach, it is important to let it soak for an adequate amount of time, usually around 10 minutes, to ensure that all pathogens are killed.
Choice C Reason:
Evacuating the laboratory is not a necessary action for a blood spill unless the spill is extensive and poses additional risks that cannot be mitigated by standard cleanup procedures. In most cases, following the proper spill cleanup protocol, which includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and using an EPA-registered disinfectant, is sufficient to handle the situation without needing to evacuate the area.
Choice D Reason:
Applying a liquid thickening agent on top of the spill is not a standard practice for blood spill cleanup. While a thickening agent might contain the spill, it does not disinfect the area. The priority in such situations is to disinfect and remove any potential infectious agents. Therefore, the use of a thickening agent would not be in compliance with the recommended procedures for blood spill cleanup by OSHA and the CDC.
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