Patient Identification and Preparation Flashcards

What special consideration applies when drawing blood from a patient with an IV line running?

Answer: Draw from the opposite arm or below the IV site after the IV has been off for 2 minutes

Blood should be drawn from the opposite arm to the IV. If that is not possible, draw below the IV site after the IV has been paused for at least 2 minutes.

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable patient identifier according to The Joint Commission?

Answer: Room number

Room numbers are not acceptable patient identifiers because patients can be transferred, rooms reassigned, or errors made in room assignments.

A phlebotomist arrives to draw blood from a sleeping patient. What is the correct approach?

Answer: Gently wake the patient and verify their identity before drawing

The patient must be gently awakened and their identity verified using two identifiers before any blood draw.

What should a phlebotomist check on the requisition before entering the patient's room?

Answer: Patient name, test(s) ordered, date/time, special requirements, and ordering physician

The phlebotomist should review all requisition information including patient identifiers, ordered tests, special requirements, and the ordering physician before entering the room.

A physician orders a timed cortisol level. When should this specimen typically be collected?

Answer: Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM

Cortisol levels follow a diurnal pattern, peaking between 6:00-8:00 AM. Timed collections are typically drawn during this peak to establish baseline or diagnostic values.

What is the correct procedure for identifying an infant in the neonatal unit before heel stick?

Answer: Match the infant's wristband with the mother's wristband and the requisition

Neonatal identification requires matching the infant's wristband with the mother's wristband and the laboratory requisition, as infants cannot self-identify.