Which of the following criteria is acceptable in determining the quality of a peripheral blood smear?
Covers a quarter of the slide
A well-defined edge
Covers the entire slide
A feathered edge
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Covering a quarter of the slide is not an acceptable criterion for the quality of a peripheral blood smear. The smear should be spread across the slide in a manner that allows for proper examination under a microscope, and covering only a quarter of the slide would not provide enough area for an adequate assessment.
Choice B reason:
Having a well-defined edge is not specifically indicative of the quality of a peripheral blood smear. While the edges should be clean to allow for clear viewing of the cells at the margins, the quality is more accurately determined by the distribution and integrity of the cells on the slide.
Choice C reason:
Covering the entire slide is also not a criterion for a quality peripheral blood smear. In fact, if the blood covers the entire slide, it may be too thick to allow for proper cell differentiation and examination. A proper smear should have a gradient of cell distribution, ending with a feathered edge.
Choice D reason:
A feathered edge is the correct criterion for a quality peripheral blood smear. The feathered edge is the thinnest part of the smear and is where the cells are ideally distributed in a single layer, which is optimal for microscopic examination. This allows for the best visualization of cell morphology and is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose diabetes by measuring the body's response to glucose over a period of time. It is not used to identify bacteremia, which is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice B Reason:
A peripheral blood smear involves examining a sample of blood under a microscope to look for abnormalities in blood cells. While it can reveal signs of infection, it does not specifically identify bacteremia.
Choice C Reason:
A blood culture is the primary test used to detect bacteremia. It involves taking a sample of blood and incubating it to see if bacteria grow, which would indicate the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice D Reason:
Lactic acid levels in the blood are measured to assess the severity of sepsis, a condition that can result from bacteremia. Elevated lactic acid can indicate that tissues are not getting enough oxygen, but the test itself does not identify bacteremia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Withdrawing the needle completely would be an incorrect action because it would end the procedure prematurely and require a new venipuncture, causing unnecessary discomfort to the patient. It should only be done if the venipuncture has been completed or if there is a need to stop due to a complication.
Choice B Reason:
Rotating the bevel of the needle could potentially reposition the needle for better blood flow if it has become occluded or is not properly aligned with the vein. However, this action should be done with caution to avoid causing injury to the vein or discomfort to the patient.
Choice C Reason:
Increasing tourniquet pressure is not advisable once blood flow has been established, as it could cause damage to the vein or hemolysis of the blood sample. The tourniquet should be released once the blood starts flowing into the first tube to avoid these issues.
Choice D Reason:
Activating a new evacuated tube is the correct action to take when blood flow stops upon attaching a second tube. This could indicate a problem with the vacuum in the tube rather than with the needle or the venipuncture site. Trying a new tube can resolve the issue without needing to adjust the needle or the patient's position.
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