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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Inverting the tube 5 to 8 times ensures that the clot activator mixes thoroughly with the blood, promoting proper clotting. Setting the tube aside for 30 minutes allows sufficient time for the blood to clot before centrifugation. This is the recommended procedure to ensure that the serum is properly separated from the clot, resulting in a quality specimen suitable for testing.
Choice B reason:
Inverting the tube only 1 to 3 times may not be enough to mix the clot activator with the blood adequately, which could lead to incomplete clotting and potentially compromised test results. Additionally, setting the tube for 1 hour before centrifugation is longer than necessary and does not offer any advantage over the recommended 30 minutes.
Choice C reason:
Inverting the tube 2 to 4 times might not fully mix the clot activator with the blood, and setting it for only 15 minutes does not provide enough time for proper clot formation. This could result in a suboptimal separation of serum and clot, affecting the integrity of the test results.
Choice D reason:
Inverting the tube 8 to 10 times could potentially cause hemolysis or disruption of the blood cells due to excessive agitation. Setting the tube for 2 hours prior to centrifugation is not recommended as it could lead to serum degradation or other changes that may affect the test results.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Shoe covers are used to protect the shoes and prevent the spread of contaminants from one area to another. They are not specifically required for droplet precautions during blood glucose monitoring. Droplet precautions typically focus on protecting mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from droplet spatter.
Choice B Reason:
Masks are essential when dealing with patients under droplet precautions. Droplets can transmit infections when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and a mask provides a barrier that prevents the inhalation of these potentially infectious droplets. For procedures like blood glucose monitoring, where close contact with the patient is necessary, wearing a mask is crucial to protect both the healthcare worker and the patient.
Choice C Reason:
A gown is used to protect the healthcare worker's skin and clothing from contamination with potentially infectious material. While it is an important piece of personal protective equipment, it is not the primary requirement for droplet precautions in the context of blood glucose monitoring, unless there is a risk of substantial splashing or spraying of bodily fluids.
Choice D Reason:
Goggles are used to protect the eyes from splashes of blood or other body fluids. They are important in procedures where there is a risk of splashing, but for blood glucose monitoring, the risk is minimal. Therefore, goggles are not the primary piece of equipment required for droplet precautions in this scenario.
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