Which of the following is the minimum required number of unique patient identifiers a phlebotomist should use prior to a blood draw?
One
Two
Three
Four
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Using only one patient identifier is not sufficient to ensure patient safety and accuracy in healthcare settings. It increases the risk of misidentification, which can lead to serious medical errors. Therefore, one identifier is not the standard practice for patient verification before a blood draw.
Choice B Reason:
While two identifiers are commonly used in many healthcare settings as a minimum requirement, they may not always provide enough differentiation, especially in larger facilities where patient names may be similar. Two identifiers are often the minimum standard, but they are not the most comprehensive approach.
Choice C Reason:
Three unique patient identifiers provide a more robust method for verifying a patient's identity, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors. According to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), three identifiers are recommended to ensure the correct patient is being collected. This may include the patient's full name, date of birth, and medical record number or another unique identifier.
Choice D Reason:
While using four unique identifiers could further reduce the risk of patient misidentification, it is not typically required as the standard minimum. Three identifiers are generally considered adequate for most healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and proper identification.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A sodium level test is important for managing and monitoring a patient's electrolyte balance, particularly in critical care settings. However, a DNR order indicates that the patient has chosen not to undergo CPR, not necessarily that their condition is the most critical at the moment. Therefore, while important, it may not be the most urgent sample to process.
Choice B reason:
Postoperative monitoring of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is crucial for detecting possible hemorrhage and ensuring proper recovery. However, unless there is an immediate concern for acute blood loss or other complications, these tests may not be as urgent as a stat test from the emergency room.
Choice C reason:
A stat potassium level is typically ordered when there is an urgent need to assess a patient's potassium due to conditions that can rapidly affect heart rhythm and muscle function. In the emergency room setting, where patients often present with acute and life-threatening conditions, stat tests are prioritized to provide rapid results that can influence immediate clinical decisions.
Choice D reason:
Peak antibiotic levels are measured to ensure therapeutic efficacy and to avoid toxicity. While important for managing a patient's treatment, especially for those who are NPO (nothing by mouth), it may not be as time-sensitive as a stat test required for an acute emergency.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sterile water is not an antiseptic; it does not contain antimicrobial agents. While it can be used to rinse a site, it will not disinfect the area before a venipuncture procedure. Therefore, it is not an appropriate substitute for alcohol in this context.
Choice B Reason:
Antiseptic foam may contain alcohol or other disinfectants. If it is alcohol-free, it could be a suitable alternative. However, without specific information about the ingredients, it cannot be assumed to be an appropriate choice for a patient allergic to alcohol.
Choice C Reason:
Chlorhexidine is a commonly used antiseptic for skin preparation before medical procedures, including venipuncture. It is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and is an appropriate alternative for patients who have an allergy to alcohol-based antiseptics.
Choice D Reason:
Saline solution is not an antiseptic. It is a sterile solution of sodium chloride in water and does not have antimicrobial properties. Like sterile water, it is not suitable for disinfecting the venipuncture site.
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