Which of the following actions is included in aseptic technique when a phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture on a patient?
Disposing of contaminated materials
Performing hand hygiene once daily
Completing quality control procedures
Cleansing skin with sodium hypochlorite
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Disposing of contaminated materials is a part of standard infection control practices. While it is important to dispose of materials that may be contaminated with blood or bodily fluids properly, this action is not specific to the aseptic technique used during venipuncture.
Choice B Reason:
Performing hand hygiene once daily is not sufficient for maintaining aseptic technique. Aseptic technique requires hand hygiene before and after each patient contact, especially before procedures like venipuncture to prevent the transmission of pathogens.
Choice C Reason:
Completing quality control procedures is an essential part of laboratory practice and patient safety but is not directly related to the aseptic technique of venipuncture. Quality control ensures the accuracy and reliability of test results rather than preventing infection.
Choice D Reason:
Cleansing the skin with sodium hypochlorite, or a similar disinfectant, is a critical step in aseptic technique for venipuncture. This action reduces the microbial load on the skin, thereby minimizing the risk of introducing pathogens into the bloodstream during needle insertion.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A 23-gauge needle is commonly used for venipuncture with a winged infusion set and a small volume syringe like a 5 mL syringe. This size provides a balance between patient comfort and the ease of drawing blood without causing hemolysis or excessive damage to blood cells. It is large enough to allow blood to flow easily into the syringe but small enough to minimize discomfort and the risk of bruising.
Choice B reason:
An 18-gauge needle is quite large and is typically used for situations requiring rapid administration of fluids or for blood donation where larger volumes are collected quickly. It is not ideal for a standard venipuncture, especially with a small syringe, as it can cause more pain and increase the risk of bruising.
Choice C reason:
A 25-gauge needle is on the smaller side and may be used for patients with very fragile veins or for pediatric patients. However, it may not be the best choice for a 5 mL syringe as it could make the blood draw process slower and more difficult, potentially leading to clotting in the needle or syringe.
Choice D reason:
A 27-gauge needle is very small and is typically used for subcutaneous injections, such as insulin injections, rather than for venipuncture. It would be too small for an efficient blood draw with a 5 mL syringe, as it would likely cause the blood to hemolyze or clot before the draw is completed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Wiping the site with clean gauze after applying antiseptic is not recommended. This action can remove the antiseptic before it has had sufficient time to disinfect the area, potentially reintroducing bacteria to the site and increasing the risk of contamination.
Choice B Reason:
Allowing the site to air dry after applying antiseptic is the appropriate technique. This ensures that the antiseptic has enough contact time to effectively reduce microbial flora on the skin. Air drying also prevents any potential irritation that might be caused by wiping or touching the site before the venipuncture.
Choice C Reason:
Blowing on the site to speed up drying is not an appropriate technique. This can introduce bacteria from the breath to the clean site, which could lead to contamination and increase the risk of infection.
Choice D Reason:
Waving hands over the site is not an appropriate technique either. This action could potentially contaminate the site with bacteria or particles from the skin or the environment. It is also less effective in ensuring that the antiseptic has dried completely.
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