Phlebotomy Flashcards
Reasons why phlebotomy is performed
-pregnancy test
-drug test
-disease screening
-measuring substances in body
-therapeutic reasons
What are examples of negligence
-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
what is a precaution on the needle
-remove protective cap just before use
-listen for snap to ensure its first time opening
-watch paper tear
What to do if you receive a needle stick
-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
List of phlebotomy supplies
-gloves
-tourniquet
-alcohol
-needle
-collection tube
-sharps container
-cotton ball
-label
Vein carries blood which way?
towards the heart
Purpose of venous valves
-prevents back flow of venous blood - keeps blood flow in one direction
What is blood plasma?
-plasma is the liquid part of blood
-whole blood minus formed elements
-plasma makes 55% of whole body
Function of Red blood cells?
-transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body
Function of Platelets
-important role in hemostasis
-process of reducing bleeding from injured blood vessels
Coagulation
-the blood clotting
-needs to be prevented because clotting can plug vessels
Steps of Venous blood collection
-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
Three major types of blood samples
-whole blood
-serum
-plasma
When should the sterile sample be tested?
-blood culture
-looking for bacteria in blood
Things to do with uncooperative patient
-seek assistance from staff
-have them lay down
-dont put your safety at risk
Patient who is resistant to having blood drawn
-needle phobia
-religious reasons
-advise blood is drawn to physician request
-let them know it will help diagnose
Syncope
-fainting
-low blood pressure
-faint of idea of getting blood drawn
-can be precipitated by pain
Signs of becoming faint
-progressive facial pallor w/ cold perspiration
-loss of muscle tone with limp extremities
-hyperventilation w/ tingling of fingertips
-nausea
What to do if patient feels faint prior
-suggest they lie down
-keep them talking
-lower head, deep breaths
-loosen clothing around neck
-apply cold cloth to forehead, back of neck
What to do if patient feels faint during
-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
Things that cause hematoma
-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
What to do when there is no blood flow?
-attempt to pull out needle slightly (be careful bevel does not exit)
-attempt to push needle slightly in
-attempt to rotate needle
Nausea
-reassure patient that this happens
-have patient breathe slowly
-supply kidney basin
-seek assistance if necessary
Convulsions - Things to look for
-always be aware of medical bracelet
-ask for patients experience
-epilepsy or past seizures
