While collecting a blood sample, the patient slumps over in the phlebotomy chair. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take first?
Stop the procedure.
Alert the supervisor.
Document the incident.
Slide the patient to the floor.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Stopping the procedure is the first and most critical action a phlebotomist should take if a patient slumps over during blood collection. The patient's safety is the primary concern, and continuing the procedure could cause further harm. The phlebotomist should immediately remove any needles or equipment from the patient to prevent injury.
Choice B Reason:
Alerting the supervisor is an important step, but it should come after ensuring the patient is safe and the procedure has been stopped. The supervisor will need to be informed of the incident to help manage the situation and provide assistance as needed.
Choice C Reason:
Documenting the incident is a necessary step for legal and medical records. However, it is not the first action to take. The patient's immediate well-being takes precedence over documentation, which can be completed after the situation is under control and the patient is stable.
Choice D Reason:
Sliding the patient to the floor may be necessary if the patient is at risk of falling from the chair. However, this should only be done after the procedure has been stopped, and if it is safe to move the patient. If the patient is unconscious, the phlebotomist may need to initiate CPR, which is best performed on a flat surface.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Heparin is an anticoagulant, not a clot activator. It works by inhibiting thrombin and preventing the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, thus preventing clot formation. It is commonly found in green-top tubes and is suitable for collecting plasma samples for tests like electrolyte levels and coagulation studies.
Choice B reason:
Oxalate is also an anticoagulant that prevents clotting by precipitating calcium. It is not used to promote clot formation but rather to maintain a blood sample in a non-coagulated state for various tests.
Choice C reason:
Citrate functions similarly to heparin and oxalate as an anticoagulant. It chelates calcium ions in the blood, inhibiting the coagulation process. Citrate is often used in blue-top tubes and is ideal for collecting plasma samples for coagulation studies.
Choice D reason:
Silica is a clot activator. It is commonly used in serum separator tubes (SSTs) with a gold or red speckled top. The silica particles provide a surface for the rapid formation of the clot, allowing for the separation of serum from the blood cells. This is essential when serum is needed for testing.
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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