Latex Allergy and Venipuncture Procedure Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What should patients in a wheelchair ensure during a procedure?

Ensure the wheels are locked and have assistance (correct)

Not worry about the wheelchair during a procedure

Avoid using the wheelchair

Push the wheelchair by themselves

What should be carefully selected before performing a venipuncture on an elderly patient?

Type of needle to use (correct)

Brand of the gloves

Size of the bandage

Color of the tourniquet

Why is it important to anchor the vein firmly during a venipuncture on an elderly patient?

To make the procedure faster

To test the patient's strength

To avoid causing pain to the patient

To prevent the vein from rolling (correct)

What should be avoided when cleaning the site for a venipuncture on an elderly patient?

Rubbing the site vigorously Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted about bleeding during a venipuncture on an elderly patient?

It could take longer to stop than regular patients Signup and view all the answers

How should phlebotomists treat elderly patients during procedures according to the text?

With extra care, kindness, and respect Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of preserving veins in the dorsum of the hands for dialysis patients?

To avoid using veins in the arms with AV fistulas Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes home care phlebotomists from other phlebotomists?

They can carry necessary equipment during house calls Signup and view all the answers

Which group of patients may require long-term care services?

Patients unable to perform daily activities due to health conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of hospice care?

Offer end-of-life care for patients with a prognosis of six months or less Signup and view all the answers

Why might a patient undergoing dialysis request a specific site for venipuncture?

To ensure proper vein preservation for hemodialysis access Signup and view all the answers

In which setting are assisted-living services provided to patients?

Private homes or community-based facilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for checking that all equipment and items in the room are latex-free when treating a patient with a latex allergy?

To avoid life-threatening allergic reactions in the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position for an outpatient undergoing a venipuncture procedure?

Seated in a blooddrawing chair Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient is prone to fainting during a venipuncture procedure?

Place the patient in a reclining chair, sofa, or bed Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient has sensitive skin when applying the tourniquet?

Apply the tourniquet over a gauze Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended distance between the intended puncture site and the placement of the tourniquet?

3 to 4 inches Signup and view all the answers

When tying the tourniquet, which direction should the ends point towards?

Towards the shoulder Signup and view all the answers

How should the tourniquet be released quickly when performing a venipuncture?

Tuck a portion of one side under the other to create a loop Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cleaning the venipuncture site with an antiseptic like 70% Isopropyl alcohol?

To prevent infection or contamination Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid using unsterile gauze, fan, or blowing on the venipuncture site after cleaning?

To prevent introducing contaminants to the cleaned area Signup and view all the answers

What factors are considered when choosing the system, needle size, and tube volume for venipuncture?

Age of the patient, volume of blood needed, vein size, and location Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after selecting an appropriate tube for an Evacuated Tube System (ETS)?

Tap to dislodge any additives in the stopper Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the needle when preparing a Winged Infusion Set (Butterfly)?

Twist to expose the back of the needle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a routine blood film/smear preparation?

To check for abnormalities in blood cells Signup and view all the answers

How is a thick blood smear preparation used?

To diagnose malaria by detecting the presence of the plasmodium parasite Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for collecting a capillary blood gas specimen from infants and small children?

Heel puncture Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken when handling bilirubin specimens?

Cover the specimen with a black or opaque material to prevent light exposure Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included when labeling a specimen?

Patient's name, phlebotomist's initials, date and time of collection Signup and view all the answers

What type of white blood cell is elevated in cases of malaria?

Eosinophils Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Considerations During Procedures

Patients in wheelchairs should ensure safety and comfort, with appropriate support during the procedure.
Careful selection of vein location is crucial for venipuncture in elderly patients to minimize complications and ease of access.

Venipuncture Techniques for Elderly Patients

Firm anchoring of the vein is essential to prevent rolling and ensure a successful draw, particularly in fragile veins common in elderly patients.
Avoid vigorous cleaning motions when preparing the venipuncture site to prevent bruising or vein damage.
Note that bleeding may take longer to stop in elderly patients due to age-related factors, requiring careful monitoring.

Treatment Approaches for Elderly Patients

Phlebotomists should treat elderly patients with patience and gentleness to establish trust and ensure comfort during procedures.

Dialysis Patient Considerations

Preserving veins in the dorsum of the hands for dialysis patients is important to maintain access points for future treatments.
Home care phlebotomists differ by delivering services in the patient's home rather than clinical settings.

Long-term Care and Hospice

Elderly individuals may require long-term care services due to chronic illnesses, disabilities, or declining health.
The primary goal of hospice care is to enhance quality of life for terminally ill patients and provide support for their families.

Venipuncture Site Selection

Patients on dialysis may request a specific venipuncture site to avoid damage to existing access points.

Assisted Living and Patient Care

Assisted-living services are provided in residential facilities that offer support for daily activities while promoting independence.

Latex Allergy Precautions

Ensuring all equipment in the room is latex-free is crucial to prevent allergic reactions in patients with latex allergies.

Recommended Patient Positioning

Outpatients should be seated comfortably during venipuncture to reduce anxiety and promote successful access.

Managing Patient Reactions

If a patient is prone to fainting, positioning them lying down can help prevent falls or injuries during the procedure.
For patients with sensitive skin, a looser tourniquet application is advisable to avoid irritation.

Tourniquet Placement Guidelines

The tourniquet should be placed approximately 3-4 inches above the intended puncture site, ensuring adequate venous engorgement without excessive pressure.
When tying the tourniquet, ends should point towards the patient's heart for effective tightening.

Venipuncture Site Preparation

Quickly release the tourniquet once the needle is inserted to avoid prolonged venous constriction and discomfort.
Cleaning the venipuncture site with 70% Isopropyl alcohol helps reduce infection risk by effectively sterilizing the area.

Post-Cleaning Protocols

Avoid using unsterile gauze, or blowing on the venipuncture site post-cleaning as this can introduce contaminants.

Venipuncture Equipment Selection

Factors influencing the choice of system, needle size, and tube volume include the patient’s condition and specific test requirements.
After selecting an appropriate tube for an Evacuated Tube System (ETS), ensure secure attachment to prevent spills.

Preparation and Handling of Blood Specimens

With a Winged Infusion Set (Butterfly), ensure the needle is prepared correctly for smooth insertion.
A routine blood film or smear preparation is crucial for diagnostic assessments of blood samples.
Thick blood smear preparations are used for better visualization of parasites or abnormal cells.

Pediatric Blood Collection Techniques

For infants and small children, capillary blood gas specimens should be collected using gentle punctures to minimize trauma.
Handle bilirubin specimens with care, protecting them from light exposure to prevent degradation of the sample.

Specimen Labeling Requirements

Accurate specimen labeling includes essential information such as patient name, date of collection, and type of test to prevent mix-ups.

Malaria Diagnosis

An elevation of atypical lymphocytes is indicative of malaria and assists in diagnosis.

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Description

Test your knowledge on managing latex allergies and venipuncture procedures. Learn about the precautions to take when dealing with patients allergic to latex and the correct positioning for inpatients and outpatients during venipuncture.