Podcast
Questions and Answers
When properly anchoring a vein, where should the thumb be positioned?
When properly anchoring a vein, where should the thumb be positioned?
1 to 2 inches below the intended site pulling the skin toward the wrist.
Which of the following actions is unlikely to help a phlebotomist gain a patient's trust?
Which of the following actions is unlikely to help a phlebotomist gain a patient's trust?
It's unlikely that misidentifying a patient specimen would result in what?
It's unlikely that misidentifying a patient specimen would result in what?
No reprimand if no one was hurt.
Needle phobia is defined as what?
Needle phobia is defined as what?
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Symptoms of needle phobia can include:
Symptoms of needle phobia can include:
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A basic step that can be taken to minimize any trauma associated with a venipuncture is to:
A basic step that can be taken to minimize any trauma associated with a venipuncture is to:
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Proper use of hand sanitizer includes:
Proper use of hand sanitizer includes:
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To examine by touch or feel is to:
To examine by touch or feel is to:
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In most cases, needle insertion should be performed how?
In most cases, needle insertion should be performed how?
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To 'seat' the needle in the vein means to:
To 'seat' the needle in the vein means to:
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Going without food or drink except for water for 8-12 hours is defined as:
Going without food or drink except for water for 8-12 hours is defined as:
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The reason a test is ordered 'timed' is to:
The reason a test is ordered 'timed' is to:
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Examples of timed tests include:
Examples of timed tests include:
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A test is ordered 'fasting' to:
A test is ordered 'fasting' to:
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Bending the arm up to apply pressure to the site after venipuncture has not been shown to:
Bending the arm up to apply pressure to the site after venipuncture has not been shown to:
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The unique number assigned to a specimen request is called the:
The unique number assigned to a specimen request is called the:
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Failure of the patient to follow required diet restrictions before specimen collection could lead to:
Failure of the patient to follow required diet restrictions before specimen collection could lead to:
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Which individual has legal authority to authorize patient testing?
Which individual has legal authority to authorize patient testing?
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Test requisition information must include the:
Test requisition information must include the:
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Which type of requisition often serves as a test request, report, and billing form?
Which type of requisition often serves as a test request, report, and billing form?
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Information represented by a patient ID bar code typically includes the patient's:
Information represented by a patient ID bar code typically includes the patient's:
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Outpatient requisitions are typically of this type:
Outpatient requisitions are typically of this type:
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When received by the laboratory, inpatient requisitions are typically sorted according to:
When received by the laboratory, inpatient requisitions are typically sorted according to:
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Steps taken to unmistakably connect a specimen & the accompanying paperwork to a specific individual are called:
Steps taken to unmistakably connect a specimen & the accompanying paperwork to a specific individual are called:
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Which priority does a timed test typically have?
Which priority does a timed test typically have?
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A test that is ordered stat should be collected:
A test that is ordered stat should be collected:
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Which of the following tests is commonly ordered stat?
Which of the following tests is commonly ordered stat?
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If a test is ordered stat, it may mean that the patient is in:
If a test is ordered stat, it may mean that the patient is in:
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When a test is ordered ASAP, it means that:
When a test is ordered ASAP, it means that:
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A preop patient:
A preop patient:
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Tests are classified as routine if they are ordered:
Tests are classified as routine if they are ordered:
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This term means the same as stat:
This term means the same as stat:
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A patient who is NPO:
A patient who is NPO:
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An example of a test that is commonly ordered fasting is:
An example of a test that is commonly ordered fasting is:
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Which liquid is acceptable to drink when one is fasting?
Which liquid is acceptable to drink when one is fasting?
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Which is a common postop test?
Which is a common postop test?
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What should you do if the patient's door is closed?
What should you do if the patient's door is closed?
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What should you do if there is a sign that reads, 'No blood pressure or venipuncture, right arm'?
What should you do if there is a sign that reads, 'No blood pressure or venipuncture, right arm'?
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A code is a way to:
A code is a way to:
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What does DNR stand for?
What does DNR stand for?
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How should you proceed if the patient initially responds negatively to blood collection?
How should you proceed if the patient initially responds negatively to blood collection?
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Which test is used to identify protein disorders that lead to nerve damage?
Which test is used to identify protein disorders that lead to nerve damage?
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What should you do if your inpatient is asleep when you arrive?
What should you do if your inpatient is asleep when you arrive?
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How can laboratory results be negatively affected by the phlebotomist?
How can laboratory results be negatively affected by the phlebotomist?
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When collecting from an unconscious patient, it's unnecessary to:
When collecting from an unconscious patient, it's unnecessary to:
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What should you do if a physician is with the patient and the specimen is ordered stat?
What should you do if a physician is with the patient and the specimen is ordered stat?
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What is the best course of action if family or visitors are with the patient?
What is the best course of action if family or visitors are with the patient?
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What should you do if the patient is not in the room when you arrive to collect a timed specimen?
What should you do if the patient is not in the room when you arrive to collect a timed specimen?
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Which test's misidentification is most likely to have fatal consequences?
Which test's misidentification is most likely to have fatal consequences?
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How do you verify a patient's identity in 302B named John Doe?
How do you verify a patient's identity in 302B named John Doe?
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Which requisition information must match the patient's ID band?
Which requisition information must match the patient's ID band?
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What should you do if the medical record number on the ID band matches your requisition, but the patient's name is spelled differently?
What should you do if the medical record number on the ID band matches your requisition, but the patient's name is spelled differently?
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What should be done when an unconscious inpatient doesn't have an ID band?
What should be done when an unconscious inpatient doesn't have an ID band?
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What is the system of choice to identify laboratory specimens from an unconscious woman in the ER?
What is the system of choice to identify laboratory specimens from an unconscious woman in the ER?
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Which type of inpatient is most likely to have more than one ID band?
Which type of inpatient is most likely to have more than one ID band?
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What is the most critical error a phlebotomist can make?
What is the most critical error a phlebotomist can make?
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What should you do if your patient isn't wearing an ID band?
What should you do if your patient isn't wearing an ID band?
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Which type of patient is least likely to need his or her identity confirmed?
Which type of patient is least likely to need his or her identity confirmed?
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How should you verify a patient's identity upon check-in?
How should you verify a patient's identity upon check-in?
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A cheerful, pleasant bedside manner and exchange of small talk are unlikely to:
A cheerful, pleasant bedside manner and exchange of small talk are unlikely to:
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What should you do when your patient is cranky and rude?
What should you do when your patient is cranky and rude?
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Which of the following is part of informed consent for specimen collection?
Which of the following is part of informed consent for specimen collection?
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How should you respond if the patient asks if the test is for diabetes?
How should you respond if the patient asks if the test is for diabetes?
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What should you do if an inpatient vehemently refuses to allow you to collect a blood specimen?
What should you do if an inpatient vehemently refuses to allow you to collect a blood specimen?
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What should you do if you arrive to draw a fasting specimen and the patient is just finishing breakfast?
What should you do if you arrive to draw a fasting specimen and the patient is just finishing breakfast?
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What should you do after selecting and cleaning the blood collection site?
What should you do after selecting and cleaning the blood collection site?
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When is hand decontamination required?
When is hand decontamination required?
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What should you do if your hands are visibly contaminated?
What should you do if your hands are visibly contaminated?
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What should you do if you must collect a specimen on a 6-year-old child who is a little fearful?
What should you do if you must collect a specimen on a 6-year-old child who is a little fearful?
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If the patient asks whether the procedure will hurt, you should say that it:
If the patient asks whether the procedure will hurt, you should say that it:
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What is the proper arm position for routine venipuncture?
What is the proper arm position for routine venipuncture?
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Outpatients who have previously fainted during a blood draw should be:
Outpatients who have previously fainted during a blood draw should be:
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Which of the following acts can lead to liability issues?
Which of the following acts can lead to liability issues?
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Never leave the tourniquet on for more than:
Never leave the tourniquet on for more than:
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Where is the best place to apply the tourniquet?
Where is the best place to apply the tourniquet?
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If the tourniquet is too tight, it can cause:
If the tourniquet is too tight, it can cause:
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Which of the following actions is prohibited during the vein selection process?
Which of the following actions is prohibited during the vein selection process?
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How can you tell a vein from an artery during site selection?
How can you tell a vein from an artery during site selection?
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What does a sclerosed vein feel like?
What does a sclerosed vein feel like?
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It's acceptable to use an ankle vein if:
It's acceptable to use an ankle vein if:
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Which of the following will help you avoid inadvertently puncturing an artery during venipuncture?
Which of the following will help you avoid inadvertently puncturing an artery during venipuncture?
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What is the best action if the vein can be felt but not seen, even with the tourniquet on?
What is the best action if the vein can be felt but not seen, even with the tourniquet on?
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Why should you release the tourniquet as soon as blood flow is established?
Why should you release the tourniquet as soon as blood flow is established?
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What is the CLSI-recommended way to clean a venipuncture site?
What is the CLSI-recommended way to clean a venipuncture site?
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Which of the following is the least important reason to wait for the alcohol to dry before needle insertion?
Which of the following is the least important reason to wait for the alcohol to dry before needle insertion?
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What happens if you advance the tube past the guideline on the holder before needle insertion?
What happens if you advance the tube past the guideline on the holder before needle insertion?
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What can be detected by visual inspection of the needle tip before inserting it?
What can be detected by visual inspection of the needle tip before inserting it?
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Which steps are in the right order for the venipuncture procedure?
Which steps are in the right order for the venipuncture procedure?
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What should you do if you touch the needle to the skin but change your mind and pull the needle away?
What should you do if you touch the needle to the skin but change your mind and pull the needle away?
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What is the best angle to use for needle insertion during routine venipuncture?
What is the best angle to use for needle insertion during routine venipuncture?
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In performing venipuncture, how should the needle be inserted?
In performing venipuncture, how should the needle be inserted?
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How can you tell when the needle is in the vein as you insert it into the patient's arm?
How can you tell when the needle is in the vein as you insert it into the patient's arm?
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When is the best time to release the tourniquet during venipuncture?
When is the best time to release the tourniquet during venipuncture?
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Which analyte is least affected by prolonged tourniquet application?
Which analyte is least affected by prolonged tourniquet application?
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Which of the following is considered improper specimen collection technique?
Which of the following is considered improper specimen collection technique?
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Why is it important to fill anticoagulant tubes to the proper level?
Why is it important to fill anticoagulant tubes to the proper level?
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Why is it important to mix anticoagulant tubes immediately after filling them?
Why is it important to mix anticoagulant tubes immediately after filling them?
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What should you do if you fill an EDTA tube and still have a green-top tube to collect?
What should you do if you fill an EDTA tube and still have a green-top tube to collect?
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How many times do you mix non-additive tubes?
How many times do you mix non-additive tubes?
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Study Notes
Venipuncture Techniques and Procedures
- Properly anchoring a vein requires the thumb to be positioned 1 to 2 inches below the site, pulling the skin toward the wrist.
- Collecting specimens before the requested time does not help build patient trust.
- Misidentifying a patient's specimen may lead to no reprimand if no harm occurs.
- Needle phobia refers to an intense fear of needles and injections, possibly leading to symptoms like arrhythmia, fainting, or light-headedness.
- Minimizing trauma during venipuncture can be achieved by selecting the most skilled phlebotomist.
- Hand sanitizer should be rubbed in thoroughly, and allow the alcohol to evaporate completely before proceeding.
Patient Interaction and Consent
- Palpating means examining by touch to locate veins.
- Needle insertion should be done with a smooth, steady forward motion.
- To "seat" the needle means to thread it appropriately within the vein's lumen.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours means going without food or drink, except water.
- Timed tests, such as blood cultures and cardiac enzymes, are ordered for accuracy in results.
- Test requisitions must contain the ordering physician's information for processing.
Identification and Specimen Handling
- The unique accession number is assigned to each specimen request for tracking.
- Failing to follow diet restrictions before specimen collection can result in compromised care and erroneous test results.
- The patient's physician is the individual who has the legal authority to authorize testing.
- Patient identification can be verified by matching the medical record number with its requisition.
- Inpatient requisitions are sorted by collection priority, date, time, and location upon laboratory receipt.
Safety and Accuracy in Specimen Collection
- Misidentification of specimens, especially for type and screen tests, can have fatal consequences.
- Steps to connect a specimen to its paperwork are termed accessioning.
- Use a preoperative (preop) label to classify patients who will soon undergo surgery.
Patient Comfort and Emergency Protocols
- Leave the tourniquet on for no more than one minute to avoid complications.
- The best place to apply the tourniquet is approximately 3-4 inches above the venipuncture site.
- To differentiate a vein from an artery, note that arteries typically pulse.
- A sclerosed vein feels hard and cord-like, making it difficult for venipuncture.
- In emergency situations, introduce yourself to physicians and ask for permission before drawing specimens.
Techniques and Best Practices
- While drawing blood, clean the venipuncture site with a circular motion from the center outward.
- Use a 30-degree angle or less for needle insertion for optimal access.
- Always insert the needle with the bevel facing up and feel for a slight "give" indicating successful vein entry.
- Mix anticoagulant tubes immediately after collection to avoid microclot formation, ensuring blood-to-additive ratios are balanced.
Pediatric and Special Considerations
- Explain the procedure simply to apprehensive children and maintain a cheerful demeanor to alleviate fears.
- A patient who is NPO (nothing by mouth) cannot have any food or drink.
- For a patient without an ID band, do not commence with specimen collection until verification with nursing staff occurs.
Administrative Duties and Documentation
- Notify the patient's nurse for specimen refusals, and document these refusals appropriately.
- If a test is ordered ASAP, this indicates that results are needed soon for effective patient care.
- Manual requisition forms often serve multiple functions, including test requests and billing.
Final Notes
- Ensure hands are cleaned with soap and water if visibly contaminated.
- When drawing blood, avoid lowering bed rails or any actions that may lead to liability issues.
- Properly track and manage any delays in specimen collection by filling out appropriate slips for documentation.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on venipuncture procedures with this set of flashcards covering essential concepts from Chapter 8 of Phlebotomy. Each card addresses critical actions and considerations for successful blood collection. Perfect for students preparing for exams or reviewing key techniques in phlebotomy.