Which of the following areas should a phlebotomist use for a capillary collection from a 2-month-old infant?
Lateral section of the plantar heel
Central area of the heel
Posterior curvature of the heel
Palmer surface of the distal phalanx
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The lateral section of the plantar heel is the recommended site for capillary blood collection in infants, particularly those under 6 months of age. This area is preferred because it is sufficiently vascularized for blood collection and poses less risk of injury to bones and nerves compared to other areas.
Choice B reason:
The central area of the heel is not recommended for capillary blood collection in infants due to the higher risk of injury to the calcaneus (heel bone) and potential for calcaneal osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone.
Choice C reason:
The posterior curvature of the heel is also not an appropriate site for capillary blood collection in infants. This area has a higher likelihood of causing pain and injury, as well as being less accessible for a proper puncture technique.
Choice D reason:
The palmer surface of the distal phalanx (fingertip) is not a recommended site for capillary blood collection in infants under 1 year of age. The fingertips of infants are small and more prone to injury, and the procedure may be more painful compared to a heel stick.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
While informing the patient of the procedure is important, it is not the immediate next step after greeting. The technician should first ensure the patient's safety and comfort before proceeding with the details of the blood draw.
Choice B Reason:
Asking if the patient has a latex allergy is crucial as it directly pertains to patient safety. Many medical supplies, including gloves and tourniquets used during phlebotomy, may contain latex, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Identifying an allergy before any contact ensures that the technician can take necessary precautions to prevent an allergic reaction.
Choice C Reason:
Stating the technician's name to the patient helps build rapport but is not as critical as ensuring the patient's safety. It is a part of good communication and patient care practices but should follow after confirming any potential allergies or other immediate health concerns.
Choice D Reason:
Asking the patient which arm they prefer for the blood draw is a part of the procedure that involves patient preference and comfort. However, this should come after ensuring there are no allergies that could lead to complications during the draw.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Inverting the tube 5 to 8 times ensures that the clot activator mixes thoroughly with the blood, promoting proper clotting. Setting the tube aside for 30 minutes allows sufficient time for the blood to clot before centrifugation. This is the recommended procedure to ensure that the serum is properly separated from the clot, resulting in a quality specimen suitable for testing.
Choice B reason:
Inverting the tube only 1 to 3 times may not be enough to mix the clot activator with the blood adequately, which could lead to incomplete clotting and potentially compromised test results. Additionally, setting the tube for 1 hour before centrifugation is longer than necessary and does not offer any advantage over the recommended 30 minutes.
Choice C reason:
Inverting the tube 2 to 4 times might not fully mix the clot activator with the blood, and setting it for only 15 minutes does not provide enough time for proper clot formation. This could result in a suboptimal separation of serum and clot, affecting the integrity of the test results.
Choice D reason:
Inverting the tube 8 to 10 times could potentially cause hemolysis or disruption of the blood cells due to excessive agitation. Setting the tube for 2 hours prior to centrifugation is not recommended as it could lead to serum degradation or other changes that may affect the test results.
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