Which of the following refers to the process of cleaning up a blood specimen spill on a counter?
Neutralization
Disinfection
Containment
Sterilization
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Neutralization typically involves a chemical reaction to render a substance harmless or inert. In the context of a blood spill, neutralization would not be the primary concern, as the goal is to eliminate any potential infectious agents, not just to neutralize them.
Choice B Reason:
Disinfection is the process of cleaning an area or surface to destroy or prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. When dealing with a blood spill, disinfection is crucial to ensure that any bloodborne pathogens present are effectively killed, reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Choice C Reason:
Containment refers to the measures taken to control or limit something, in this case, a spill. While containment is an important initial step in managing a spill to prevent it from spreading, it is not the process that refers to the actual cleaning and elimination of pathogens.
Choice D Reason:
Sterilization is a process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores, usually through the application of heat, chemicals, or irradiation. While sterilization is a more extreme level of decontamination than disinfection, it is not typically used for routine cleaning of blood spills on counters.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Cleaning the site is a step that should be completed before anchoring the vein. The site should be cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. Once the vein is anchored, cleaning the site again could displace the vein and compromise the anchoring.
Choice B reason:
After anchoring the vein, the phlebotomist should perform the procedure, which involves inserting the needle into the vein at the appropriate angle. Once the needle is in place and blood is seen in the tubing, the phlebotomist can proceed to collect the necessary amount of blood into the vacutainers or syringe.
Choice C reason:
Examining the needle is not the next step after anchoring the vein. The needle should be examined before the procedure begins to ensure it is the correct size and gauge for the venipuncture and that there are no defects.
Choice D reason:
Reapplying the tourniquet is not necessary at this point in the procedure. The tourniquet should already be in place to engorge the vein, making it easier to anchor and access. Reapplying it could cause discomfort or even disrupt the already anchored vein.

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