Phlebotomy

Question 1

Reasons why phlebotomy is performed

Answer 1

-pregnancy test
-drug test
-disease screening
-measuring substances in body
-therapeutic reasons

Question 2

What are examples of negligence

Answer 2

-not returning hospital bedrail to upright position
-improper disposal of sharps
-not reporting patient condition to nurse
-leaving patient before bleeding stops
-inability to get blood is NOT negligence

Question 3

what is a precaution on the needle

Answer 3

-remove protective cap just before use
-listen for snap to ensure its first time opening
-watch paper tear

Question 4

What to do if you receive a needle stick

Answer 4

-squeeze as much blood to surface
-clean with alcohol, or flush with water
-report
-evaluate, counselling, treatment
-tests for HIV and HBV
-may be given vaccine if patient refuses testing
-if patient is HIV+, you’ll be counselled and checked at intervals

Question 5

List of phlebotomy supplies

Answer 5

-gloves
-tourniquet
-alcohol
-needle
-collection tube
-sharps container
-cotton ball
-label

Question 6

Vein carries blood which way?

Answer 6

towards the heart

Question 6

Purpose of venous valves

Answer 6

-prevents back flow of venous blood - keeps blood flow in one direction

Question 7

What is blood plasma?

Answer 7

-plasma is the liquid part of blood
-whole blood minus formed elements
-plasma makes 55% of whole body

Question 8

Function of Red blood cells?

Answer 8

-transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body

Question 9

Function of Platelets

Answer 9

-important role in hemostasis
-process of reducing bleeding from injured blood vessels

Question 10

Coagulation

Answer 10

-the blood clotting
-needs to be prevented because clotting can plug vessels

Question 11

Steps of Venous blood collection

Answer 11

-greet patient and introduce yourself
-identify patient
-explain procedure and get consent
-position patient
-tie tourniquet
-select punture site
-cleanse site
-perform phlebotomy
-post phlebotomy

Question 12

Three major types of blood samples

Answer 12

-whole blood
-serum
-plasma

Question 13

When should the sterile sample be tested?

Answer 13

-blood culture
-looking for bacteria in blood

Question 14

Things to do with uncooperative patient

Answer 14

-seek assistance from staff
-have them lay down
-dont put your safety at risk

Question 15

Patient who is resistant to having blood drawn

Answer 15

-needle phobia
-religious reasons
-advise blood is drawn to physician request
-let them know it will help diagnose

Question 16

Syncope

Answer 16

-fainting
-low blood pressure
-faint of idea of getting blood drawn
-can be precipitated by pain

Question 17

Signs of becoming faint

Answer 17

-progressive facial pallor w/ cold perspiration
-loss of muscle tone with limp extremities
-hyperventilation w/ tingling of fingertips
-nausea

Question 18

What to do if patient feels faint prior

Answer 18

-suggest they lie down
-keep them talking
-lower head, deep breaths
-loosen clothing around neck
-apply cold cloth to forehead, back of neck

Question 19

What to do if patient feels faint during

Answer 19

-remove tourniquet, withdraw tube, then needle quickly
-talk to patient
-lower head, deep breaths
-loosen clothing around neck
-apply cold cloth to forehead, back of neck
-stay with patient, remain in waiting area for 15 mins and no driving for 30
-document incident

Question 20

Things that cause hematoma

Answer 20

-needle bevel half in and out
-needle goes through vein
-blind probing
-fragile veins
-removing needle while tourniquet on
-proper pressure not applied
-removing needle while vacutainer engaged

Question 21

What to do when there is no blood flow?

Answer 21

-attempt to pull out needle slightly (be careful bevel does not exit)
-attempt to push needle slightly in
-attempt to rotate needle

Question 22

Nausea

Answer 22

-reassure patient that this happens
-have patient breathe slowly
-supply kidney basin
-seek assistance if necessary

Question 22

Convulsions - Things to look for

Answer 22

-always be aware of medical bracelet
-ask for patients experience
-epilepsy or past seizures