Basic Patient Care Procedures Flashcards

Which of the following is the safest method to verify a patient's identity before collecting a blood specimen?

Answer: Compare the wristband with the lab requisition using two identifiers

Comparing the patient's wristband with the lab requisition using two identifiers (name and DOB or MRN) is the safest method per National Patient Safety Goals.

When collecting a clean-catch midstream urine specimen, the patient should be instructed to:

Answer: Clean the urethral area, discard the first stream, then collect the midstream

Cleaning the urethral area and discarding the first stream reduces contamination from periurethral bacteria in the midstream urine culture specimen.

A 24-hour urine collection is started at 7:00 AM. The FIRST urine of the collection period should be:

Answer: Discarded and the timer begins with the next void

The first void is discarded to empty the bladder completely, and the 24-hour collection period begins with the next void.

Incentive spirometry is used primarily to:

Answer: Encourage deep breathing and prevent atelectasis

Incentive spirometry promotes sustained maximal inhalation to open alveoli and prevent post-operative atelectasis.

When applying anti-embolism stockings (TED hose), the PCT should assess the patient's legs for:

Answer: Skin color, temperature, sensation, and peripheral pulses before application

Circulatory assessment (color, temperature, sensation, and pulses) before applying TED hose identifies contraindications such as arterial insufficiency.

A PCT notices a patient's urinary catheter drainage bag is above the level of the bladder. What is the CORRECT action?

Answer: Lower the drainage bag below the level of the bladder immediately

The drainage bag must always be below the level of the bladder to allow gravity drainage and prevent retrograde flow, which increases infection risk.