Which of the following samples should a phlebotomist present to the laboratory first for processing?
A sodium level from a patient who has a DNR order
A hemoglobin and hematocrit level from a patient who is postoperative
A stat potassium level from a patient in the emergency room
A peak antibiotic level from a patient who is NPO
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose diabetes by measuring the body's response to glucose over a period of time. It is not used to identify bacteremia, which is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice B Reason:
A peripheral blood smear involves examining a sample of blood under a microscope to look for abnormalities in blood cells. While it can reveal signs of infection, it does not specifically identify bacteremia.
Choice C Reason:
A blood culture is the primary test used to detect bacteremia. It involves taking a sample of blood and incubating it to see if bacteria grow, which would indicate the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Choice D Reason:
Lactic acid levels in the blood are measured to assess the severity of sepsis, a condition that can result from bacteremia. Elevated lactic acid can indicate that tissues are not getting enough oxygen, but the test itself does not identify bacteremia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Immunization schedules are not regulated by OSHA. They are typically overseen by public health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. These agencies provide guidelines on when and which vaccines should be administered to various populations.
Choice B reason:
Patient privacy is primarily regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), not OSHA. HIPAA sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge.
Choice C reason:
The accuracy of laboratory results falls under the purview of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), which are federal regulatory standards that apply to all clinical laboratory testing performed on humans in the United States, except for clinical trials and basic research.
Choice D reason:
Universal precautions are indeed regulated by OSHA. These are a set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin (including rashes), and mucous membranes. These precautions are designed to protect workers from exposure to diseases spread by blood and certain body fluids.
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