Which of the following is the minimum required number of unique patient identifiers a phlebotomist should use prior to a blood draw?
One
Two
Three
Four
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Using only one patient identifier is not sufficient to ensure patient safety and accuracy in healthcare settings. It increases the risk of misidentification, which can lead to serious medical errors. Therefore, one identifier is not the standard practice for patient verification before a blood draw.
Choice B Reason:
While two identifiers are commonly used in many healthcare settings as a minimum requirement, they may not always provide enough differentiation, especially in larger facilities where patient names may be similar. Two identifiers are often the minimum standard, but they are not the most comprehensive approach.
Choice C Reason:
Three unique patient identifiers provide a more robust method for verifying a patient's identity, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors. According to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), three identifiers are recommended to ensure the correct patient is being collected. This may include the patient's full name, date of birth, and medical record number or another unique identifier.
Choice D Reason:
While using four unique identifiers could further reduce the risk of patient misidentification, it is not typically required as the standard minimum. Three identifiers are generally considered adequate for most healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and proper identification.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Wrapping the site with a heel warmer for 30 minutes is a preparatory step before the heel stick procedure. It is used to increase blood flow to the area to make the collection easier. However, it is not the action to take after the blood has been collected. The heel warmer should be removed before performing the heel stick.
Choice B Reason:
Wiping away the first drop of blood is the correct procedure. The initial drop may be contaminated with tissue fluids or alcohol if the site was cleaned prior to the stick, which can affect the accuracy of the test results. Therefore, the first drop should be wiped away, and subsequent blood should be used for the PKU test.
Choice C Reason:
Keeping a pressure dressing on the site for the entire day is not necessary and is not part of the standard heel stick procedure. After the blood is collected, a small bandage is typically applied to stop any bleeding. The site should be monitored for a short time for any signs of continued bleeding or bruising, but a pressure dressing for the day is excessive.
Choice D Reason:
Targeting the central arch area of the foot for the heel stick is incorrect and can be harmful. The recommended area for a heel stick is the lateral portions of the heel to minimize discomfort and avoid injury to the bone or nerves. The central arch area should be avoided to prevent potential harm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Notifying the provider about the error is an important step, but it does not correct the error in the patient's chart. Communication with the provider ensures that they are aware of the mistake and can make informed decisions regarding patient care. However, the physical correction of the documentation is also necessary to maintain accurate medical records.
Choice B Reason:
Asking an administrator to erase the error is not a recommended practice. Erasing or using correction fluid can make the chart appear tampered with, which can have legal implications. It is essential that the original entry remains visible to preserve the integrity of the medical record.
Choice C Reason:
Striking a line through the error and initialing is the correct method for correcting a written error in a patient's chart¹². This approach allows the original entry to remain legible, which is crucial for legal and clinical reasons. It also shows that the correction was made by an authorized individual, as the initials indicate who made the change.
Choice D Reason:
Erasing the error and entering the correct information is not an acceptable practice for the same reasons as choice B. It is important not to remove or conceal the original entry, as this could be considered falsifying medical records.
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