Patient Preparation Flashcards
7 cards from real ASPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Preparation flashcards as text
A patient with a latex allergy presents for routine venipuncture. The phlebotomist's first action should be to:
Answer: Document the allergy and use latex-free gloves and supplies
All latex-containing items must be replaced with latex-free alternatives before any procedure begins for a patient with a documented latex allergy.
Before collecting blood from a pediatric patient, the phlebotomist should obtain consent from:
Answer: The parent or legal guardian
Informed consent for procedures on minors must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian, as minors generally cannot provide legal consent.
Which position is preferred for a patient during routine venipuncture to reduce the risk of vasovagal syncope?
Answer: Seated upright in a phlebotomy chair with arm support
A seated position in a phlebotomy chair with arm support is standard; lying supine is preferred for patients with a history of fainting.
A patient states they are afraid of needles. The most appropriate response before the venipuncture is to:
Answer: Acknowledge the concern, explain the procedure calmly, and allow questions
Therapeutic communication that acknowledges the patient's fear and provides a clear explanation reduces anxiety and improves cooperation.
Before collecting blood cultures, the site should be cleaned with:
Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate or iodine-based antiseptic after alcohol, using concentric circles
Blood culture sites require a two-step antiseptic preparation (alcohol followed by chlorhexidine or iodine) applied in concentric outward circles to reduce contamination risk.
Which patient preparation instruction is most critical before collecting a specimen for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)?
Answer: The specimen must be collected at the specified trough or peak time relative to the dose
TDM specimens must be collected at precise trough or peak intervals after dosing to produce clinically meaningful and comparable results.
When a patient is receiving an IV infusion, the phlebotomist should ideally collect the blood sample from:
Answer: The opposite arm from the IV infusion
Drawing from the opposite arm prevents IV fluid dilution or contamination of the specimen, which would produce false results.