Which of the following information should be included in the chain of custody following a blood alcohol testing procedure?
The timeline of the individual prior to specimen collection
The identity of each person who handles the specimen
The physical and mental status of the individual before and after
The condition of the specimen every hour
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
The timeline of the individual prior to specimen collection is important for context but is not typically part of the chain of custody documentation. The chain of custody focuses on the handling of the specimen rather than the activities of the individual before the collection.
Choice B Reason:
The identity of each person who handles the specimen is a critical element of the chain of custody. This information ensures that the specimen can be tracked at every stage from collection to analysis, and any potential tampering can be identified and addressed.
Choice C Reason:
While the physical and mental status of the individual may be noted in medical records or police reports, it is not a standard part of the chain of custody for a blood alcohol test. The chain of custody's purpose is to track the specimen, not the condition of the individual.
Choice D Reason:
The condition of the specimen every hour is not required in the chain of custody documentation. What is necessary is the documentation of any changes in the condition of the specimen that could affect the integrity of the results, such as temperature excursions or signs of tampering.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Keeping the patient as upright as possible is not recommended in cases of shock. When a patient is in shock, it is important to lay them down and elevate their legs slightly, unless this position causes pain or further injury. This position helps improve blood flow to the brain.
Choice B Reason:
Providing a cooling blanket is not a standard first aid measure for shock due to a medication reaction. A cooling blanket may be used in cases of hyperthermia or heatstroke to reduce body temperature, but not typically for shock, which requires maintaining normal body temperature and preventing chilling.
Choice C Reason:
Administering oral fluids to a patient in shock is not advisable. During shock, a patient may have an impaired swallowing reflex or be unconscious, increasing the risk of aspiration. It is best to avoid giving anything by mouth until medical personnel arrive.
Choice D Reason:
Maintaining an open airway is crucial for a patient in shock. Ensuring that the airway is clear allows the patient to breathe effectively, which is essential for delivering oxygen to the tissues and organs. If the patient is unconscious or has an altered level of consciousness, the phlebotomist should check for breathing and begin CPR if necessary.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Asking "When was your last dose of lithium?" is crucial for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). TDM is used to tailor dosages and maintain therapeutic levels in a patient’s bloodstream, especially for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices like lithium. The timing of the last dose can significantly affect blood levels, and knowing this information helps in interpreting the results accurately.
Choice B Reason:
While knowing the fasting status of a patient may be relevant for certain tests, it is not typically critical for TDM unless the medication being monitored is affected by food intake. Lithium levels are not significantly influenced by fasting, so this question is less relevant than knowing the timing of the last dose.
Choice C Reason:
Inquiring about the last alcoholic beverage is important if alcohol could interfere with the medication's metabolism or the test's accuracy. However, for lithium TDM, alcohol consumption is not as directly relevant as the timing of the last dose. Alcohol does not typically alter lithium levels unless it affects the patient's hydration status.
Choice D Reason:
Asking if the patient has finished drinking the glucose solution would be pertinent if conducting a glucose tolerance test. However, this is not relevant for TDM of lithium, as the glucose solution does not interfere with lithium levels or the TDM process.
In conclusion, for therapeutic drug monitoring, particularly for lithium, the most critical question is regarding the timing of the last dose. This information is essential to ensure that the blood levels reflect the peak or trough concentration, depending on what is being measured, and to avoid misinterpretation that could lead to inappropriate dosing adjustments.
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