Routine Venipuncture Policy- Quiz

In order to accurately identify the patient, it is necessary to document the full name (First and Last) of the person identifying the patient. This ensures that there is no confusion or ambiguity regarding the identity of the patient.

Drawing a patient that is standing up is not acceptable because it does not accurately represent the patient's condition. In a medical setting, it is important to depict patients in a realistic and truthful manner. Patients are typically drawn lying down or in a seated position to accurately represent their state of health and allow for proper examination and diagnosis. Drawing a patient standing up may lead to incorrect interpretations and miscommunication between healthcare professionals.

As a phlebotomist, it is important to don personal protective equipment (PPE) for isolation precautions, regardless of the amount of time spent in the patient's room. PPE helps protect both the phlebotomist and the patient from potential transmission of infectious diseases. Even a short interaction with a patient can expose the phlebotomist to bodily fluids or other sources of contamination, making the use of PPE necessary to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. Therefore, the statement that phlebotomists do not need to wear PPE for isolation precautions due to their short time in the patient's room is false.

The basilic vein is the third choice for primary vein selection for a venipuncture. This is because it is located deep in the arm and can be more difficult to access compared to the median cubital and cephalic veins. However, if the other veins are not suitable or accessible, the basilic vein can be used as an alternative option for venipuncture.

Calling a patient by their first name only is not acceptable in most healthcare settings. It is important to maintain a professional and respectful relationship with patients, and using their last name or preferred title (such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms.) is considered appropriate. Using only the first name may be seen as too casual and can undermine the professional nature of the healthcare provider-patient relationship. Additionally, using the patient's last name or preferred title helps to ensure clear communication and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

The median cubital vein is the first choice for primary vein selection for a venipuncture because it is large, superficial, and easily accessible. It is located in the antecubital fossa, which is the area on the inner side of the elbow. The median cubital vein is less likely to roll or move during the procedure, making it an ideal choice for drawing blood or administering intravenous medications. Additionally, it is less painful for the patient compared to other veins in the area.

The specimens must be labeled in the presence of the patient to ensure accuracy and prevent any mix-ups or errors. This allows for immediate verification of the patient's identity and helps to maintain the integrity of the specimen. Labeling in the presence of the patient also promotes transparency and patient engagement in their own healthcare process.

The correct answer is 25g. In the medical field, needle gauge refers to the diameter of the needle. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the diameter of the needle. Therefore, among the given options, 25g is the smallest needle gauge, indicating the thinnest needle.

The cephalic vein is the second choice for primary vein selection for a venipuncture. This vein is commonly used when the basilic vein is not accessible or suitable for the procedure. The cephalic vein is located on the outer side of the arm and is often visible and easily palpable, making it a good alternative for drawing blood or administering medication. It is important to have multiple options for vein selection to ensure a successful venipuncture procedure.

When the patient must be identified by a Nurse or other clinical provider, it is necessary to document this in the Order Note. This is important because the Order Note is a formal record that communicates instructions and information about the patient's care to the healthcare team. By documenting the requirement for identification in the Order Note, it ensures that all clinical providers involved in the patient's care are aware of this important step and can follow the necessary protocols to correctly identify the patient.

The correct angle to insert the needle is 30 degrees. This angle allows for proper penetration and reduces the risk of the needle bending or breaking. Inserting the needle at a 30-degree angle also helps to ensure accurate delivery of medication or fluid.

A blood pressure cuff must be maintained at a pressure of 40mmHg for the duration of the collection when used as a tourniquet. This pressure is necessary to occlude the blood flow and create a temporary blockage, allowing for easier venipuncture and blood collection. A lower pressure may not be sufficient to stop the blood flow, while a higher pressure could cause discomfort or potential damage to the underlying tissues. Therefore, maintaining a pressure of 40mmHg is the appropriate choice for using a blood pressure cuff as a tourniquet.