Which of the following is used to stabilize a patient's arm during a venipuncture?
Arm restraints
A blood pressure cuff
A phlebotomy wedge
A phlebotomy cart
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Arm restraints are typically used to prevent patients from moving, particularly in pediatric or psychiatric settings where the patient may not voluntarily keep still. However, they are not specifically designed for stabilizing the arm during venipuncture procedures.
Choice B Reason:
A blood pressure cuff can be used as a substitute for a tourniquet to engorge the veins before venipuncture, but it is not designed to stabilize the arm during the procedure. Its primary function is to measure blood pressure, not to provide stability.
Choice C Reason:
A phlebotomy wedge is a device specifically designed to support and stabilize a patient's arm during venipuncture. It helps to maintain the arm in a comfortable and steady position, which can be particularly helpful for patients with tremors or for those who have difficulty holding their arm still.
Choice D Reason:
A phlebotomy cart is used to transport and organize phlebotomy supplies. While it is an essential piece of equipment for a phlebotomist, it does not play a role in stabilizing a patient's arm during venipuncture.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The high pressure in the arterial system is not a factor in the filling of blood collection tubes during venipuncture. Arterial blood is not typically collected using evacuated tubes; these are used for venous blood collection, where the pressure is lower.
Choice B reason:
While the venous system does have pressure that aids in blood flow, it is not the high pressure that causes blood collection tubes to fill. Venous pressure is relatively low compared to arterial pressure, and on its own, it is not sufficient to fill the vacuum tubes used in venipuncture.
Choice C reason:
The positive pressure created by the tourniquet can help engorge the veins, making them easier to access, but it does not directly cause the blood collection tubes to fill. The tourniquet's role is to assist in vein visualization and palpation rather than in the filling of the tube.
Choice D reason:
The negative pressure within the tube is the correct factor that causes blood collection tubes to fill during venipuncture. When the needle punctures the patient's vein and then the tube stopper, the vacuum in the tube pulls blood into it until the vacuum is exhausted or the tube is filled. This is why it is essential not to allow the tube contents to contact the stopper, as backflow into the venous system can cause adverse reactions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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