Patient Safety Protocols Flashcards

A seated outpatient becomes pale and faints during venipuncture. What should the phlebotomist do first?

Answer: Remove the tourniquet and needle and apply pressure to the site

Stopping the draw and securing the site protects the patient from needle injury before addressing the syncope.

A patient had a left-sided mastectomy with lymph node removal. Where should blood be drawn?

Answer: Right arm, avoiding the mastectomy side

Lymphedema risk and altered results make the mastectomy side off-limits without physician permission.

A patient has an IV infusing in the right forearm and no other usable site. Which approach follows CLSI guidance?

Answer: Have the IV stopped for at least 2 minutes and draw below the IV site

Stopping the infusion for at least 2 minutes and drawing below the site reduces IV fluid contamination.

During venipuncture, the patient reports sharp, shooting pain radiating down the arm. What should be done?

Answer: Remove the needle immediately

Shooting or electric pain suggests nerve contact, requiring immediate needle removal to prevent permanent injury.

Drawing an EDTA tube before a chemistry tube may falsely cause which result pattern?

Answer: Increased potassium and decreased calcium

K2/K3 EDTA carryover adds potassium and chelates calcium, which is why order of draw matters.

What is the maximum recommended tourniquet application time during venipuncture?

Answer: 1 minute

Exceeding 1 minute causes hemoconcentration and can alter analyte results.

A patient states they have a latex allergy. Which is the safest practice?

Answer: Use nonlatex gloves, tourniquet, and bandage

All supplies contacting the patient must be latex-free to prevent allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.