A patient admitted to an emergency department with trauma after a motorcycle accident needs blood drawn.The patient has a fracture of the right arm that is splinted, lacerations of both legs, and IV fluids infusing in the left antecubital space.Which is the most appropriate intervention for a nurse to use to collect the required blood specimens?
A)Access a vein in the foot for specimen collection.
B)Request insertion of a central line to use for blood collection and IV access as needed.
C)Stop the IV infusion for 2 minutes and then access a site below the IV.
D)Use a butterfly needle to access a vein in the right hand.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stopping the IV infusion for 2 minutes and accessing a site below the IV is appropriate to avoid dilution of the blood sample by the IV fluids.

A Patient Admitted to an Emergency Department with Trauma After