Which of the following tests has a fasting requirement?

Choice A reason:

Performing a heel stick on a 5-year-old patient is not an appropriate technique. Heel sticks are typically used for infants, particularly newborns, to minimize discomfort and because their finger pads may not be fully developed for finger sticks. By the age of 5, a child's veins are usually developed enough for venipuncture, which is the preferred method.

Choice B reason:

Performing a finger stick on a toddler patient is an appropriate technique for specimen collection. This method is commonly used for children who are not yet old enough for venipuncture but have outgrown the heel stick method. The finger stick is performed on the palmar surface of the distal phalanx, usually of the middle or ring finger, and is considered safe and effective for collecting small blood samples in toddlers.

Choice C reason:

Performing a thumb stick on an infant is not an appropriate technique. The thumb has a pulse and is more sensitive, which can cause unnecessary pain and distress to the infant. Additionally, the thumb's size and increased movement make it a less suitable site for specimen collection in infants.

Choice D reason:

Performing a thumb stick on a 5-year-old patient is also not an appropriate technique. As with infants, the thumb's sensitivity and the presence of a pulse make it a less desirable site for blood collection. For a 5-year-old, venipuncture or a finger stick on a non-thumb finger would be more appropriate and less distressing.

Choice A Reason:
Submitting laboratory results to the representative for workers' compensation is generally not a violation of patient privacy. This action is often necessary as part of the claims process and is typically done with the patient's consent or as mandated by law.

Choice B Reason:
Discussing laboratory results with a patient's partner without the patient's explicit consent is a violation of patient privacy. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare, and disclosing health information to unauthorized individuals, including family members, breaches that confidentiality.

Choice C Reason:
Providing diagnosis codes to a patient's insurance company is a standard procedure and is not considered a violation of patient privacy. This information is necessary for the insurance company to process claims and provide coverage for medical services.

Choice D Reason:
Printing a patient's full name on the specimen label is standard practice and does not violate patient privacy. This is done to ensure that the specimen is correctly identified and matched to the patient, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment.