Which of the following needle gauge ranges should a phlebotomist select when performing a venipuncture for blood donation?

Choice A reason:
While maintaining compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards is important, it is not the primary reason for explaining the venipuncture procedure to the patient. CLIA standards primarily deal with laboratory testing and do not specifically require the explanation of procedures to patients.

Choice B reason:
Evaluating the patient's understanding is a beneficial practice as it ensures that the patient is informed and can participate in their own care. However, it is not the primary legal or ethical requirement for explaining the procedure.

Choice C reason:
Maintaining compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the healthcare provider and the patient. OSHA standards require that certain safety protocols be followed, but they do not specifically mandate that the procedure be explained to the patient for the purpose of obtaining consent.

Choice D reason:
Obtaining the patient's consent is the primary reason a phlebotomist should explain the procedure prior to venipuncture. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal principle in healthcare. It involves informing the patient about the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and ensuring that the patient understands this information before agreeing to proceed. This process respects the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare.

Choice A reason:
The BUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, which can indicate kidney function. Fasting is not typically required for a BUN test unless it is being conducted alongside other tests that may require fasting.

Choice B reason:
An HDL test is part of a lipid profile that measures the levels of good cholesterol in the blood. Fasting before a cholesterol test, including HDL, is often recommended to ensure accuracy, although recent guidelines have changed, allowing for nonfasting cholesterol testing in certain individuals.

Choice C reason:
An ABG test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and assesses the body's acid-base balance. Preparation for an ABG test does not typically require fasting, but patients may need to stop supplemental oxygen before the test to get accurate measurements.

Choice D reason:
A CBC test, or complete blood count, does not require fasting. It measures various factors of the blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets. Fasting is not necessary unless the CBC is part of a panel of tests that includes tests requiring fasting.