A phlebotomist is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient who has self-reported needle phobia. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take?
Encourage the patient to chew gum during the procedure.
Instruct the patient to lie supine during the procedure.
Place the patient's elbow joint at 90 degrees of flexion.
Warm the site for 10 minutes before venipuncture.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Encouraging the patient to chew gum during the procedure may serve as a distraction, which can be helpful for some patients. However, this is not a widely recommended practice for reducing needle phobia. Distraction techniques can be beneficial, but they should be tailored to the individual patient's preferences and should not interfere with the procedure.
Choice B Reason:
Instructing the patient to lie supine during the procedure can help prevent fainting and reduce anxiety for some patients. This position is often used for patients who have a history of fainting or feel dizzy during blood draws. However, it is not specifically targeted at managing needle phobia.
Choice C Reason:
Placing the patient's elbow joint at 90 degrees of flexion is a standard practice to stabilize the arm and provide an optimal angle for venipuncture. While this is a necessary step in the procedure, it does not directly address the patient's needle phobia.
Choice D Reason:
Warming the site for 10 minutes before venipuncture is a technique used to enhance vein visibility and elasticity, making the venipuncture easier and potentially less painful. This can be particularly helpful for patients with needle phobia, as a smoother and quicker procedure may reduce anxiety and discomfort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The lateral section of the plantar heel is the recommended site for capillary blood collection in infants, particularly those under 6 months of age. This area is preferred because it is sufficiently vascularized for blood collection and poses less risk of injury to bones and nerves compared to other areas.
Choice B reason:
The central area of the heel is not recommended for capillary blood collection in infants due to the higher risk of injury to the calcaneus (heel bone) and potential for calcaneal osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone.
Choice C reason:
The posterior curvature of the heel is also not an appropriate site for capillary blood collection in infants. This area has a higher likelihood of causing pain and injury, as well as being less accessible for a proper puncture technique.
Choice D reason:
The palmer surface of the distal phalanx (fingertip) is not a recommended site for capillary blood collection in infants under 1 year of age. The fingertips of infants are small and more prone to injury, and the procedure may be more painful compared to a heel stick.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Simply observing the site to see if the hematoma worsens is not an appropriate response. While monitoring the development of a hematoma is part of the process, it is not a proactive measure to address the immediate issue. The phlebotomist must take action to prevent further injury or complication.
Choice B reason:
Asking the patient to apply pressure may be part of the post-venipuncture care, especially after the needle has been removed, to aid in stopping any bleeding. However, this does not address the immediate concern of a developing hematoma during the draw.
Choice C reason:
Releasing the tourniquet and stopping the draw is the correct action to take when a hematoma is observed. This response is in line with the standard procedure for when a complication arises during venipuncture. Stopping the draw helps prevent further blood from pooling and exacerbating the hematoma.
Choice D reason:
While calling for a nurse and assessing the patient's condition is important, especially if the phlebotomist needs assistance or the patient shows signs of distress, it should not be the first action taken. The immediate response should be to address the hematoma by stopping the draw.
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