A phlebotomist should explain the procedure prior to venipuncture to:

Choice A reason:
Chilling the sample is the correct method for preparing a lactic acid sample for processing and transportation. Lactic acid levels can continue to change after the blood is drawn due to ongoing cellular metabolism. Chilling the sample slows down this metabolism, preserving the accuracy of the lactic acid measurement. The sample should be placed on ice or in a refrigerated environment as soon as possible after collection.

Choice B reason:
While protecting the sample from light is important for some types of specimens, it is not the primary concern for lactic acid samples. The key factor for lactic acid stability is temperature control, not light exposure. Therefore, while it may be beneficial to keep the sample out of direct sunlight, chilling it is the priority to prevent changes in lactic acid levels.

Choice C reason:
Attaching a heat block to the sample is not a recommended method for lactic acid samples. Heat can increase metabolic activity, potentially altering the lactic acid levels in the sample. This would lead to inaccurate results, as the goal is to preserve the state of the sample at the time of collection.

Choice D reason:
Freezing the sample is not typically recommended for immediate processing and transportation of a lactic acid sample. While freezing can preserve certain types of specimens for long-term storage, it is not necessary for short-term transport and can cause issues such as hemolysis, which may interfere with the test results.

Choice A Reason:
Shoe covers are used to protect the shoes and prevent the spread of contaminants from one area to another. They are not specifically required for droplet precautions during blood glucose monitoring. Droplet precautions typically focus on protecting mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from droplet spatter.

Choice B Reason:
Masks are essential when dealing with patients under droplet precautions. Droplets can transmit infections when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and a mask provides a barrier that prevents the inhalation of these potentially infectious droplets. For procedures like blood glucose monitoring, where close contact with the patient is necessary, wearing a mask is crucial to protect both the healthcare worker and the patient.

Choice C Reason:
A gown is used to protect the healthcare worker's skin and clothing from contamination with potentially infectious material. While it is an important piece of personal protective equipment, it is not the primary requirement for droplet precautions in the context of blood glucose monitoring, unless there is a risk of substantial splashing or spraying of bodily fluids.

Choice D Reason:
Goggles are used to protect the eyes from splashes of blood or other body fluids. They are important in procedures where there is a risk of splashing, but for blood glucose monitoring, the risk is minimal. Therefore, goggles are not the primary piece of equipment required for droplet precautions in this scenario.