Which of the following complications could result from a phlebotomist inadvertently squeezing a patient's puncture site firmly during a capillary procedure?
Hemostasis
Hemolysis
Homeostasis
Hypobilirubinemia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Hemostasis is the process of blood clotting and the cessation of bleeding. While it is a desired outcome following any puncture, squeezing the puncture site would not typically cause hemostasis as a complication. It is the body's natural response to injury to prevent excessive blood loss.
Choice B Reason:
Hemolysis refers to the rupture of red blood cells, which can occur when excessive pressure is applied to a puncture site during a capillary blood collection. This pressure can cause the cells to burst, releasing their contents into the plasma, which can interfere with various laboratory tests and lead to inaccurate results.
Choice C Reason:
Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. It is not a complication but rather a regulatory process. Squeezing a puncture site does not directly relate to homeostasis as a complication.
Choice D Reason:
Hypobilirubinemia is a condition where there is less than the normal amount of bilirubin in the blood. It is not a complication associated with squeezing a puncture site. Bilirubin levels are typically affected by liver function and red blood cell breakdown, not by the mechanical action of squeezing a site.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Serology is the division of the laboratory that deals with the study of blood serum. In serology, the focus is on identifying and measuring antibodies in the serum. While serology can be used to support the diagnosis of infections, it does not involve culture and sensitivity testing, which is specific to identifying pathogens and determining their susceptibility to antibiotics.
Choice B Reason:
Microbiology is the correct division for culture and sensitivity tests. This division specializes in studying microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. When a culture and sensitivity test is ordered, it is the microbiology lab that cultures the sample to grow the organism and then tests various antibiotics to determine which are most effective against it.
Choice C Reason:
Histology is the study of the microscopic structure of tissues. Histology labs prepare and examine tissue samples to diagnose diseases, but they do not perform culture and sensitivity tests, which are specific to microbiology.
Choice D Reason:
Chemistry is a division of the laboratory that performs a wide range of tests to measure chemicals and enzymes in the body. These tests can include blood glucose levels, liver enzymes, and hormone levels, among others. However, chemistry does not handle culture and sensitivity testing, as this is not within the scope of chemical analysis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The left antecubital area is the correct site to perform venipuncture on a patient who has had a right-sided mastectomy. It is recommended to avoid the side of the mastectomy due to the risk of lymphedema and other complications associated with the removal of lymph nodes during the surgery. The left antecubital fossa, which is the area in front of the elbow, is a common site for venipuncture and is generally safe for use when the right side cannot be used.
Choice B reason:
The right cephalic vein should be avoided in a patient with a right-sided mastectomy. Venipuncture on the same side as the mastectomy can increase the risk of complications, including lymphedema, which is a condition characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation. Therefore, the right cephalic vein is not an appropriate choice.
Choice C reason:
The left femoral artery is not a venipuncture site; it is an arterial site. Venipuncture refers to accessing a vein, not an artery, for blood collection. Additionally, arterial puncture is a more invasive procedure typically reserved for arterial blood gas analysis and is not performed for routine venipuncture.
Choice D reason:
Similar to choice B, the right basilic vein should be avoided for venipuncture in a patient who has had a right-sided mastectomy. The basilic vein is located on the inner side of the arm and using it could pose the same risks as using the right cephalic vein, including the potential for lymphedema.
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