Which of the following methods should a phlebotomist use to invert tubes to prevent clotting?
Shaking the tubes 4 to 8 times after collection.
Moving the tubes in a figure-eight motion 4 to 8 times after collection.
Rolling the tubes between the palms of the hands 4 to 8 times after collection.
Passing the tubes from hand to hand 4 to 8 times after collection.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Shaking the tubes vigorously can cause hemolysis, which is the rupture of red blood cells, leading to inaccurate test results. It is not recommended as it does not provide gentle mixing and can damage the blood cells.
Choice B Reason:
Moving the tubes in a figure-eight motion is not a standard practice for mixing blood samples. This method may not provide the consistent and gentle inversion needed to mix the anticoagulant with the blood effectively.
Choice C Reason:
Rolling the tubes between the palms of the hands 4 to 8 times after collection is the recommended method. This technique allows for gentle and thorough mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant, preventing clotting without causing hemolysis. The number of inversions ensures that the anticoagulant coats the inner surface of the tube and mixes with the blood, which is essential for accurate laboratory results.
Choice D Reason:
Passing the tubes from hand to hand is not an effective method for mixing blood samples. This action may not provide the necessary inversion and can lead to inadequate mixing, resulting in clotted specimens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hemostasis is the process of blood clotting and the cessation of bleeding. While it is a desired outcome following any puncture, squeezing the puncture site would not typically cause hemostasis as a complication. It is the body's natural response to injury to prevent excessive blood loss.
Choice B Reason:
Hemolysis refers to the rupture of red blood cells, which can occur when excessive pressure is applied to a puncture site during a capillary blood collection. This pressure can cause the cells to burst, releasing their contents into the plasma, which can interfere with various laboratory tests and lead to inaccurate results.
Choice C Reason:
Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. It is not a complication but rather a regulatory process. Squeezing a puncture site does not directly relate to homeostasis as a complication.
Choice D Reason:
Hypobilirubinemia is a condition where there is less than the normal amount of bilirubin in the blood. It is not a complication associated with squeezing a puncture site. Bilirubin levels are typically affected by liver function and red blood cell breakdown, not by the mechanical action of squeezing a site.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The standard recommendation for fasting before a blood specimen collection is typically between 8 to 12 hours¹²³. This duration is considered sufficient to ensure that food intake does not affect the blood test results, such as glucose or lipid levels.
Choice B reason:
A fasting period of 1 to 2 hours is too short and would not provide an accurate representation of the body's baseline levels for most tests that require fasting. It is important for certain levels, like blood sugar and lipids, to stabilize, which takes longer than 1 to 2 hours.
Choice C reason:
Fasting for 4 to 6 hours may be appropriate for some tests, but it is not the standard fasting duration for most blood tests that require fasting. The shorter time might not allow for the clearance of lipids and glucose from the bloodstream that can influence the test outcomes.
Choice D reason:
A 24-hour fast is generally not required for routine fasting blood tests and could be potentially harmful, as it may lead to hypoglycemia, especially in diabetic patients or those with metabolic disorders. It is excessive for the purposes of standard blood tests.
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