Which of the following is the first step a phlebotomist should take to prevent the spread of infection?
Wearing gloves for any patient contact
Washing hands with antimicrobial soap and water
Applying antiseptic to the puncture sites prior to venipuncture
Decontaminating the equipment before use
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Wearing gloves is an important step in preventing the spread of infection, but it is not the first step. Gloves provide a barrier between the phlebotomist's hands and the patient, which can help prevent the transmission of pathogens. However, gloves can still become contaminated, and if hand hygiene is not performed before donning gloves, pathogens can be transmitted when gloves are changed or removed.
Choice B reason:
Hand hygiene is widely recognized as the single most important practice in preventing the spread of infections. It is the first line of defense against the transmission of infectious agents. Washing hands with antimicrobial soap and water mechanically removes pathogens, and the antimicrobial agents in the soap can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. This step is crucial before any patient contact, especially before invasive procedures like venipuncture.
Choice C reason:
Applying antiseptic to the puncture sites prior to venipuncture is a critical step in the prevention of infection at the site of the blood draw. This practice is essential for eliminating skin flora that could potentially enter the bloodstream during venipuncture. However, this is not the first step, as effective hand hygiene should precede any patient contact or procedure.
Choice D reason:
Decontaminating equipment before use is a necessary step to ensure that no infectious agents are transmitted via medical instruments. This includes cleaning and sterilizing equipment that comes into direct contact with the patient. While this is a vital part of infection control, it follows hand hygiene in the sequence of steps a phlebotomist should take.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Taking the specimen temperature before 4 minutes is the correct procedure according to the Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines. The DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.65 states that the temperature of the specimen must be checked no later than four minutes after the employee has given the specimen. The acceptable temperature range is 32–38 °C/90–100 °F, which helps to verify the validity of the specimen.
Choice B Reason:
Taking the specimen temperature at 5 minutes is not within the DOT guidelines. The temperature must be taken before 4 minutes have passed to ensure the specimen's integrity and to comply with the regulatory requirements.
Choice C Reason:
At 15 minutes, the temperature check would be too late. The DOT guidelines specify that the temperature should be checked no later than four minutes after collection to ensure the specimen has not been tampered with and is within the acceptable temperature range.
Choice D Reason:
After 30 minutes, the temperature of the urine specimen would not reflect the body temperature at the time of collection, which is necessary for the validity of the test. This delay could allow for the temperature to fall outside of the acceptable range, potentially invalidating the specimen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A multipart requisition involves multiple copies of a paper form, which can be prone to errors due to manual entry, misplacement, or illegible handwriting. While it provides physical copies for various departments, it is not the most accurate method compared to digital solutions.
Choice B Reason:
A manual requisition is similar to a multipart requisition but typically consists of a single form. It carries the same risks of human error and does not offer the benefits of automated tracking and data entry that come with electronic systems.
Choice C Reason:
An automated requisition is considered the most accurate method for receiving orders for specimen collection. It reduces the risk of human error associated with manual data entry and allows for better tracking and integration with laboratory information systems. Automated systems can also provide immediate feedback if there is an issue with the order, such as a missing patient identifier or a test code.
Choice D Reason:
A verbal requisition is the least reliable method as it depends on the memory and communication skills of the individuals involved. It lacks the documentation and verification steps present in written or automated methods, making it susceptible to misunderstandings and errors.
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