CSC Patient Assessment & Clinical Evaluation 3

Question 1

A patient's requisition indicates they are receiving IV fluids in their left arm. Which site should the collector choose?

Accepted Answer

The right arm, away from the IV

Answer

IV fluids dilute blood constituents in that arm; the contralateral arm must be used to ensure accurate, undiluted specimen results.

Question 2

During pre-collection assessment, a patient mentions they have had a mastectomy on the right side. What does this mean for specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Right arm should be avoided; collect from the left arm

Answer

Lymph node removal during mastectomy impairs lymphatic drainage, making the ipsilateral arm susceptible to infection and lymphedema from venipuncture.

Question 3

A patient states they have a dialysis fistula in their left arm. The collector should:

Accepted Answer

Avoid the fistula arm entirely and collect from the right arm

Answer

Arteriovenous fistulas used for dialysis must never be punctured for routine blood collection due to risk of infection, hematoma, and fistula damage.

Question 4

Which patient history finding requires the collector to apply pressure for a longer-than-normal time after venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Patient is taking heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin

Answer

Heparin and its derivatives are anticoagulants that prolong clotting time, requiring extended pressure at the puncture site to achieve hemostasis.

Question 5

Before collecting a blood culture specimen, the collector's assessment should include confirming that the patient:

Accepted Answer

Has not received antibiotics in the last 24 hours if possible

Answer

Antibiotic therapy can suppress bacterial growth in culture media, ideally specimens should be collected before antibiotics are administered.

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

CSC Patient Assessment & Clinical Evaluation 3