Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist identify as an acceptable HIPAA practice?
Leaving a patient's record on a countertop while assisting other patients
Discarding patient contact information in the trash
Sharing passwords with a new coworker who has a stat laboratory value to report
Discussing patient information with an assisting coworker
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Leaving a patient's record on a countertop while assisting other patients is not an acceptable HIPAA practice. Patient records contain sensitive information and should be kept secure at all times to maintain confidentiality. Leaving them in a place where unauthorized individuals could potentially access them violates HIPAA regulations.
Choice B reason:
Discarding patient contact information in the trash is a violation of HIPAA rules. Any documents containing patient information must be disposed of through secure methods, such as shredding, to ensure that the information cannot be retrieved or used improperly.
Choice C reason:
Sharing passwords with anyone, including coworkers, is against HIPAA guidelines and general security best practices. Each staff member should have a unique login credential to ensure that access can be tracked and that each person is accountable for their actions within the system.
Choice D reason:
Discussing patient information with an assisting coworker is acceptable under HIPAA, provided that the coworker has a legitimate need to know the information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations purposes. This type of sharing is necessary for collaborative care and is permitted as long as it is done in a manner that protects the patient's privacy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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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