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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The right antecubital fossa is not the optimal site for blood collection in this case because the presence of a shunt in the right forearm can complicate the procedure and potentially damage the shunt, which is a critical access point for dialysis treatments.
Choice B Reason:
The right hand should also be avoided for blood collection due to the shunt placement in the right forearm. Using the same arm as the shunt for venipuncture could lead to complications such as infection, clotting, or accidental damage to the shunt.
Choice C Reason:
The left antecubital fossa might seem like a viable option; however, with an IV placed in the left hand, it is generally recommended to avoid using the same limb for blood collection to prevent contamination of the sample and reduce the risk of infection at the IV site.
Choice D Reason:
Capillary collection from the left hand is the most appropriate choice in this scenario. It avoids the arm with the shunt and the IV, reducing the risk of complications. Capillary blood collection is a suitable alternative when venipuncture sites are limited, and it can provide an adequate sample for a CBC.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A 16-gauge needle is quite large and is typically used for rapid fluid administration or blood donation in adults. It is not suitable for pediatric patients due to the size of their veins and the potential for causing trauma and discomfort.
Choice B reason:
An 18-gauge needle is also large and commonly used for adult patients in situations where larger volumes of blood are needed quickly. For a 6-year-old patient, this gauge would be too large and could cause significant pain and increase the risk of damaging the vein.
Choice C reason:
A 23-gauge needle is recommended for pediatric patients, including those who are 6 years old. It is small enough to minimize discomfort and the risk of injuring the vein, yet it allows for adequate blood flow for collection³. This size needle is often used with a winged infusion set, which is suitable for the smaller, more fragile veins of pediatric patients.
Choice D reason:
A 27-gauge needle is very small and is typically used for intradermal injections or for very small veins, such as those in neonates. While it would cause minimal discomfort, it may not provide an adequate flow rate for venipuncture in a 6-year-old patient.
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