Question 1

A quality-control nurse reviews procedures to decrease the incidence of errors in a hospital laboratory. Which type of test requisition has been shown to decrease laboratory errors?&#10;A) Bar coded&#10;B) Computer&#10;C) Manual triplicate forms&#10;D) Verbal requests

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that bar coded test requisitions significantly decrease laboratory errors by reducing the risk of transcription errors. Computerized test requisitions may also be effective in decreasing errors, but the specific technology and implementation may vary. Manual triplicate forms and verbal requests have a higher risk of errors due to human error and miscommunication.

Question 2

A clinic nurse is performing venipuncture on multiple clients. Which complications of venipuncture (for venous sampling) should the nurse anticipate? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.&#10;A) Syncope&#10;B) Continued bleeding&#10;C) Thrombosis&#10;D) Septic shock

Accepted Answer

Syncope (fainting), continued bleeding, and thrombosis (blood clot formation) are all potential complications of venipuncture. Septic shock is a rare but serious complication that can occur if the equipment used for venipuncture is not sterile or if the punctured vein becomes infected. However, with proper technique and adherence to infection control protocols, the risk of septic shock can be minimized.

Question 3

A nurse is preparing to obtain a blood sample from an infant. Which precautions should the nurse take when obtaining blood from a capillary puncture in an infant? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.&#10;A) Do not puncture deeper than 2.0 mm.&#10;B) Do not puncture over bruised areas.&#10;C) Obtain puncture over plantar surface of heel.&#10;D) Obtain puncture over back of heel.

Accepted Answer

When obtaining blood from a capillary puncture in an infant, the nurse should not puncture deeper than 2.0 mm to avoid injury. It is also important to avoid puncturing over bruised areas to prevent further injury and contamination of the sample. The plantar surface of the heel is the recommended site for capillary puncture in infants because it is the least painful and has a good blood supply. Therefore, the best choices are A, B, and C. Option D is incorrect because obtaining a puncture over the back of the heel is not a recommended site for capillary puncture in infants due to the risk of damage to the bone and nerve.

Question 4

A nurse is preparing to draw blood from an older adult client using a butterfly safety needle. Which is the best angle for needle insertion during venipuncture?&#10;A) 15 degrees&#10;B) 30 degrees&#10;C) 45 degrees&#10;D) 90 degrees

Accepted Answer

The best angle for needle insertion during venipuncture, especially when using a butterfly safety needle, is approximately 15 degrees. This shallow angle helps in accessing the vein without going through it or causing unnecessary discomfort to the patient.

Question 5

A physician orders multiple blood tests for a client. A nurse preparing to collect blood samples knows that most diagnostic blood tests require:&#10;A) serum.&#10;B) plasma.&#10;C) whole blood.&#10;D) red blood cells.

Accepted Answer

Most diagnostic blood tests require serum, which is the liquid part of the blood that remains after the blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. This is because serum contains many important substances such as enzymes, antibodies, hormones, and electrolytes that can be measured to determine a patient's health status. Plasma, on the other hand, is the liquid part of the blood that is obtained by centrifuging whole blood and contains clotting factors such as fibrinogen. Whole blood refers to the mixture of both plasma and formed elements (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) and is typically only used for blood transfusions. Red blood cells alone are not typically used for diagnostic blood tests.

Deck 7: Phlebotomy Techniques