Taking A Blood Sample

1. Why is the skin cleaned with an alcohol-based solution before taking a blood sample?

So that the nurse is protected

So that the patient is protected

So that bacteria doesn't get into the wound and cause infection

So that bacteria doesn't get into the wound and eat away at the patient's flesh

Cleaning the skin with an alcohol-based solution before taking a blood sample helps to kill bacteria on the surface of the skin. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria into the wound created by the needle, which could potentially cause an infection.

Explanation

Cleaning the skin with an alcohol-based solution before taking a blood sample helps to kill bacteria on the surface of the skin. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria into the wound created by the needle, which could potentially cause an infection.

2. Why is the equipment used to take a blood sample sterile?

So that no blood gets on to the equipment

So that the nurse is protected against illnesses

So that no pathogens/bacteria are introduced into the body

So that no pathogens/bacteria gets onto the equipment

The equipment used to take a blood sample needs to be sterile to prevent the introduction of any pathogens or bacteria into the body. If the equipment is not sterile, it can contaminate the blood sample and potentially introduce harmful microorganisms into the patient's bloodstream. This can lead to infections or other complications. Therefore, ensuring the sterility of the equipment is crucial in maintaining the safety and health of the patient.

Explanation

The equipment used to take a blood sample needs to be sterile to prevent the introduction of any pathogens or bacteria into the body. If the equipment is not sterile, it can contaminate the blood sample and potentially introduce harmful microorganisms into the patient's bloodstream. This can lead to infections or other complications. Therefore, ensuring the sterility of the equipment is crucial in maintaining the safety and health of the patient.

3. Why must the blood film be very thin?

So that the glass slide can fit on top easily

So that the red blood cells can be distinguished from each other when under a miscroscope

So that the red blood cells don't hit each other and burst

So that no excess blood escapes from the glass slide

The blood film must be very thin so that the red blood cells can be easily distinguished from each other when viewed under a microscope. If the blood film is too thick, the red blood cells may overlap or cluster together, making it difficult to accurately observe and analyze them. A thin blood film allows for better visualization and identification of individual red blood cells, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various blood disorders and conditions.

Explanation

The blood film must be very thin so that the red blood cells can be easily distinguished from each other when viewed under a microscope. If the blood film is too thick, the red blood cells may overlap or cluster together, making it difficult to accurately observe and analyze them. A thin blood film allows for better visualization and identification of individual red blood cells, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various blood disorders and conditions.

4. Why is a stain used?

So that the blood cells don't burst

So that the blood cells stay on the slide and do not slip

So that the blood cells become large enough to see

So that the blood cells become more visible

A stain is used to make blood cells more visible because they are typically transparent and difficult to see under a microscope. Staining involves adding a dye or chemical to the blood sample, which attaches to specific components of the cells and enhances their contrast. This allows for easier identification and examination of the blood cells under a microscope. Staining can also help differentiate between different types of blood cells and identify any abnormalities or diseases present.

Explanation

A stain is used to make blood cells more visible because they are typically transparent and difficult to see under a microscope. Staining involves adding a dye or chemical to the blood sample, which attaches to specific components of the cells and enhances their contrast. This allows for easier identification and examination of the blood cells under a microscope. Staining can also help differentiate between different types of blood cells and identify any abnormalities or diseases present.

5. What substance do we use to fix the blood to the slide?

Alcohol and methanol are both commonly used substances to fix blood to a slide. These substances help preserve the blood sample and prevent degradation. They also aid in the staining process, allowing for better visualization of the blood cells under a microscope. Both alcohol and methanol have similar properties and can be used interchangeably in this context.

Explanation

Alcohol and methanol are both commonly used substances to fix blood to a slide. These substances help preserve the blood sample and prevent degradation. They also aid in the staining process, allowing for better visualization of the blood cells under a microscope. Both alcohol and methanol have similar properties and can be used interchangeably in this context.

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6. Why must the slide be very clean and grease-free?

So that the blood cells can stick to the slide

So we can see the blood cells when looking under a microscope

So that the blood cells do not burst

The slide must be very clean and grease-free so that the blood cells can stick to it. This is important because if the slide is dirty or greasy, the blood cells may not adhere properly, leading to inaccurate observations under the microscope. Having a clean and grease-free slide ensures that the blood cells are properly immobilized and can be easily observed and studied.

Explanation

The slide must be very clean and grease-free so that the blood cells can stick to it. This is important because if the slide is dirty or greasy, the blood cells may not adhere properly, leading to inaccurate observations under the microscope. Having a clean and grease-free slide ensures that the blood cells are properly immobilized and can be easily observed and studied.

7. Why is blood taken from a vein and not an artery? (4 answers)

Veins are thinner

Veins are wider

Veins are nearer the surface

Arteries have thinner walls, so it is harder to insert a needle

Veins have thinner walls, so it is easier to insert a needle

The blood from an artery has too high a blood pressure

Blood is taken from a vein and not an artery because veins are wider, nearer the surface, and have thinner walls, making it easier to insert a needle. Additionally, the blood from an artery has too high a blood pressure, which can make it more difficult to collect a sample.

Explanation

Blood is taken from a vein and not an artery because veins are wider, nearer the surface, and have thinner walls, making it easier to insert a needle. Additionally, the blood from an artery has too high a blood pressure, which can make it more difficult to collect a sample.

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