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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Holding the two slides at a 90-degree angle is not the correct technique for performing a blood smear. This angle is too steep and would not allow the blood to spread thinly across the slide, which is necessary for creating a quality smear that can be examined under a microscope.
Choice B reason:
Allowing the blood drop to clot slightly before performing the smear is not advisable. Clotting can interfere with the spread of the blood and the formation of a monolayer, which is essential for accurate microscopic examination. The blood should be fresh and anticoagulated to prevent clotting.
Choice C reason:
Holding the slides at a 30-degree angle is the correct technique for performing a blood smear. This angle allows the spreader slide to push the blood drop smoothly across the patient slide, creating a thin, even layer of blood that is ideal for microscopic analysis. The angle, speed, and pressure must be consistent to achieve a quality smear.
Choice D reason:
Allowing the blood drop to clot completely before performing the smear would make it impossible to create a smear. Clotted blood cannot be spread into a thin layer, which is necessary for microscopic examination of the blood cells.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Anchoring the vein does not eliminate the need for a tourniquet. The tourniquet is applied to engorge the veins, making them more prominent and easier to puncture. Anchoring is a technique used after the tourniquet has already accomplished this task.
Choice B Reason:
While anchoring the vein can provide a more stable area for needle insertion, which might indirectly reduce pain, its primary purpose is not pain reduction. Pain during needle insertion is more directly influenced by the needle gauge, angle of insertion, and the phlebotomist's technique.
Choice C Reason:
Improving vein identification is not the direct purpose of anchoring. Vein identification is typically done visually and by palpation before the application of the tourniquet and before anchoring the vein. Anchoring is performed to stabilize the vein once it has been identified.
Choice D Reason:
The primary purpose of anchoring the vein is to minimize its movement during venipuncture. This is important because it helps prevent the needle from slipping out of or through the vein, which can cause discomfort and bruising, and may require another puncture attempt.
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