A phlebotomist is preparing to perform a venipuncture. Which of the following needle positions should the phlebotomist use?
Bevel down at a 30° angle
Bevel up at a 45° angle
Bevel up at a 30° angle
Bevel down at a 45° angle
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Having the bevel down at a 30° angle is not the correct needle position for venipuncture. The bevel of the needle should be facing up to allow for a smoother insertion and to minimize the risk of damaging the vein or causing discomfort to the patient.
Choice B reason:
Positioning the bevel up at a 45° angle is not recommended for venipuncture as this angle is too steep and could lead to the needle penetrating through the vein, potentially causing a hematoma or other complications.
Choice C reason:
The bevel up at a 30° angle is the correct position for venipuncture. This position allows the phlebotomist to insert the needle with the bevel facing upwards, which is the sharpest part of the needle, ensuring a clean entry into the vein. The 30° angle is shallow enough to enter the vein without going through it and causing injury.
Choice D reason:
A bevel down at a 45° angle is incorrect for the same reasons as choice B. Additionally, with the bevel down, the non-beveled side, which is duller, would make the initial contact with the skin, potentially causing more pain and making it more difficult to penetrate the vein.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A patient's room number is not a unique identifier as it is subject to change. Patients may be moved to different rooms during their hospital stay, and room numbers are not specific to individuals.
Choice B reason:
A patient's bed label is also not a unique identifier. Like room numbers, bed labels can change if patients are moved within the hospital for various reasons, such as changes in their medical condition or room availability.
Choice C reason:
The patient's inpatient chart demographic information is the correct unique identifier to use. This typically includes the patient's name, date of birth, and a unique medical record number assigned by the healthcare facility. These details are specific to the individual and do not change, making them reliable for patient identification.
Choice D reason:
A patient's verbal confirmation alone is not sufficient as a unique identifier. While it is important to engage the patient in the identification process, verbal confirmation must be used in conjunction with other identifiers to ensure accuracy, as patients may be confused or unable to communicate effectively.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin (including rashes), and mucous membranes. These measures are to be applied to all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, safe injection practices, safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces in the patient environment, and aseptic technique.
Choice B Reason:
Safety devices, such as needles with engineered sharps injury protections, are designed to prevent needlestick injuries and the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. While they are an important aspect of a phlebotomist's work, they are not specifically part of the aseptic technique protocol. Aseptic technique focuses on preventing contamination of sterile surfaces and materials to prevent infection.
Choice C Reason:
Quality control logs are records that document the performance of equipment and procedures to ensure they meet the required standards. They are essential for maintaining the integrity of laboratory results and ensuring patient safety. However, quality control logs themselves are not a component of the aseptic technique protocol, which is more concerned with the immediate prevention of infection during clinical procedures.
Choice D Reason:
A disaster emergency plan is a comprehensive document outlining the actions to be taken in case of an emergency. This plan is crucial for ensuring safety and continuity of care during unexpected events but is not related to the aseptic technique protocol. Aseptic technique is a method used to prevent infection during medical procedures by maintaining a sterile environment.
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