Which of the following items should a phlebotomist recognize as part of the aseptic technique protocol?
Standard precautions
Safety devices
Quality control logs
Disaster emergency plan
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The red top tube is typically used for serum determinations in chemistry, serology, and blood bank. It contains no additive or may contain a clot activator. The red top tube is not the first choice for capillary puncture order of draw because it is designed for tests that require serum and not whole blood.
Choice B Reason:
The lavender top tube is used for whole blood hematology determinations, as it contains EDTA as an anticoagulant. According to the order of draw for capillary punctures, the EDTA tube should be collected first to ensure adequate volume and accurate hematology test results. This makes the lavender top tube the correct choice for the first collection in this scenario.
Choice C Reason:
The light blue top tube contains sodium citrate and is used for coagulation tests. In venipuncture, it is drawn after the blood culture bottle and before other tubes to prevent contamination with additives from other tubes. However, for capillary punctures, it is not the first choice as hematology tests take precedence.
Choice D Reason:
The royal blue top tube is used for trace element, toxicology, and nutrient determinations². While it may be used for lead and toxicology screens mentioned in the question, it is not the first tube to be drawn in a capillary puncture sequence. The EDTA tube (lavender top) is drawn first to prevent clotting and ensure accurate CBC results.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The recommended heel stick depth of 2.0 mm is based on the need to minimize the risk of injury to the infant. Penetrating deeper than this can increase the likelihood of hitting bone, which in infants can be as close as 2.0 mm under the skin of the plantar surface of the heel. This depth is sufficient to obtain a blood sample without risking injury to deeper tissues or bone.
Choice B Reason:
A depth of 2.5 mm may be too deep for some infants, especially preterm or very small infants, where the calcaneus (heel bone) is closer to the surface. While this depth might still be safe for some infants, it does not provide the same margin of safety as the 2.0 mm recommendation and could potentially lead to bone puncture or other injuries.
Choice C Reason:
A depth of 3.0 mm significantly increases the risk of bone puncture, especially in infants with less subcutaneous fat or in those who are preterm. This depth could easily breach the protective layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue, leading to a higher risk of osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, which can be a serious complication in infants.
Choice D Reason:
A depth of 3.5 mm is considered too deep for a heel stick procedure and is likely to cause injury to the infant. This depth would almost certainly penetrate the bone in most infants, leading to severe pain, potential for infection, and other complications. It is well beyond the safe range recommended by CLSI and should be avoided.
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