A phlebotomist is preparing to perform venipuncture for blood collection from a 6-year-old patient. Which of the following needles should the phlebotomist use?
16-gauge
18-gauge
23-gauge
27-gauge
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
A 16-gauge needle is quite large and is typically used for rapid fluid administration or blood donation in adults. It is not suitable for pediatric patients due to the size of their veins and the potential for causing trauma and discomfort.
Choice B reason:
An 18-gauge needle is also large and commonly used for adult patients in situations where larger volumes of blood are needed quickly. For a 6-year-old patient, this gauge would be too large and could cause significant pain and increase the risk of damaging the vein.
Choice C reason:
A 23-gauge needle is recommended for pediatric patients, including those who are 6 years old. It is small enough to minimize discomfort and the risk of injuring the vein, yet it allows for adequate blood flow for collection³. This size needle is often used with a winged infusion set, which is suitable for the smaller, more fragile veins of pediatric patients.
Choice D reason:
A 27-gauge needle is very small and is typically used for intradermal injections or for very small veins, such as those in neonates. While it would cause minimal discomfort, it may not provide an adequate flow rate for venipuncture in a 6-year-old patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The timeline of the individual prior to specimen collection is important for context but is not typically part of the chain of custody documentation. The chain of custody focuses on the handling of the specimen rather than the activities of the individual before the collection.
Choice B Reason:
The identity of each person who handles the specimen is a critical element of the chain of custody. This information ensures that the specimen can be tracked at every stage from collection to analysis, and any potential tampering can be identified and addressed.
Choice C Reason:
While the physical and mental status of the individual may be noted in medical records or police reports, it is not a standard part of the chain of custody for a blood alcohol test. The chain of custody's purpose is to track the specimen, not the condition of the individual.
Choice D Reason:
The condition of the specimen every hour is not required in the chain of custody documentation. What is necessary is the documentation of any changes in the condition of the specimen that could affect the integrity of the results, such as temperature excursions or signs of tampering.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The nondominant dorsal hand is not typically recommended for dermal specimen collection in toddlers due to the thinness of the skin and the proximity of bones and tendons, which increases the risk of injury.
Choice B reason:
The dominant lateral plantar heel is also not an ideal site for dermal specimen collection in toddlers. The heel is a common site for blood collection in neonates, but as children grow, the skin on the heel thickens, and the risk of hitting bone increases.
Choice C reason:
The nondominant third finger is the recommended site for dermal specimen collection in toddlers over one year of age. The palmar surface of the distal phalanx of the middle or ring finger provides a sufficient area for puncture while minimizing the risk of injury to underlying structures.
Choice D reason:
The dominant antecubital space is not a typical site for dermal specimen collection, especially in toddlers. This area is generally used for venipuncture due to the presence of larger veins suitable for this type of blood collection
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