Which of the following pairs of blood tests is appropriate for a fasting specimen?
Glucose and triglycerides
BUN and alkaline phosphatase
Creatinine and total protein
Lactate dehydrogenase and albumin
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Glucose and triglyceride levels are influenced by recent food intake, so it is essential to measure these levels after a period of fasting to obtain accurate results. Fasting ensures that the glucose measurement reflects the body's baseline glucose level without the influence of a recent meal, which is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes. Similarly, triglycerides, which are fats in the blood, can be elevated after eating, so a fasting sample gives a clear picture of the lipid profile for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Choice B reason:
While BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) levels can be affected by diet, fasting is not typically required for BUN or alkaline phosphatase tests. These tests are often part of a comprehensive metabolic panel that may or may not require fasting. However, fasting is not specifically necessary for accurate measurement of these two tests.
Choice C reason:
Creatinine and total protein levels are generally not affected by short-term dietary intake, so fasting is not required for these tests. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism and is used to evaluate kidney function, while total protein levels can indicate a variety of conditions including liver and kidney disorders, but they reflect the body's long-term nutritional status rather than immediate food intake.
Choice D reason:
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin tests do not require fasting. LDH is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues and is released into the bloodstream when tissues are damaged, so its levels are not dependent on food intake. Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood and is produced by the liver; its levels are used to assess liver and kidney function, nutritional status, and other conditions, but fasting is not necessary for accurate measurement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Simply observing the site to see if the hematoma worsens is not an appropriate response. While monitoring the development of a hematoma is part of the process, it is not a proactive measure to address the immediate issue. The phlebotomist must take action to prevent further injury or complication.
Choice B reason:
Asking the patient to apply pressure may be part of the post-venipuncture care, especially after the needle has been removed, to aid in stopping any bleeding. However, this does not address the immediate concern of a developing hematoma during the draw.
Choice C reason:
Releasing the tourniquet and stopping the draw is the correct action to take when a hematoma is observed. This response is in line with the standard procedure for when a complication arises during venipuncture. Stopping the draw helps prevent further blood from pooling and exacerbating the hematoma.
Choice D reason:
While calling for a nurse and assessing the patient's condition is important, especially if the phlebotomist needs assistance or the patient shows signs of distress, it should not be the first action taken. The immediate response should be to address the hematoma by stopping the draw.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The standard recommendation for fasting before a blood specimen collection is typically between 8 to 12 hours¹²³. This duration is considered sufficient to ensure that food intake does not affect the blood test results, such as glucose or lipid levels.
Choice B reason:
A fasting period of 1 to 2 hours is too short and would not provide an accurate representation of the body's baseline levels for most tests that require fasting. It is important for certain levels, like blood sugar and lipids, to stabilize, which takes longer than 1 to 2 hours.
Choice C reason:
Fasting for 4 to 6 hours may be appropriate for some tests, but it is not the standard fasting duration for most blood tests that require fasting. The shorter time might not allow for the clearance of lipids and glucose from the bloodstream that can influence the test outcomes.
Choice D reason:
A 24-hour fast is generally not required for routine fasting blood tests and could be potentially harmful, as it may lead to hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients or those with metabolic disorders. It is excessive for the purposes of standard blood tests.
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