Clinical Assessment Methods Flashcards

Before a venipuncture, a patient says they feel lightheaded and are pale and sweaty. What is the best action?

Answer: Have the patient lie down or lower their head, and delay the draw

These are signs that the patient may faint (syncope), so put them in a safe position and wait until they recover.

When choosing a vein by touch, what should a good vein feel like?

Answer: Bouncy and elastic

A healthy vein feels soft, bouncy, and springy, while a hard, cord-like vein is sclerosed and should be avoided.

A phlebotomist feels a pulse while checking a possible venipuncture site. What does this mean?

Answer: The structure is an artery and should be avoided

Veins do not pulse, so a pulse means an artery is underneath and the site should be avoided.

What is the most important assessment step to do before every blood collection?

Answer: Positively identifying the patient with at least two identifiers

Positive patient identification using at least two identifiers prevents mislabeled samples and samples drawn from the wrong patient.

How should a phlebotomist confirm that a patient has followed fasting instructions?

Answer: Ask the patient when they last ate or drank anything other than water

Asking the patient directly confirms the fast, and any problems with the fast should be written on the requisition or label.

How long does a typical fasting requirement for a fasting glucose test last?

Answer: 8-12 hours

A fasting glucose test usually requires 8-12 hours with no food or drinks other than water.

Before using the arm on the same side as a mastectomy, what should a phlebotomist check?

Answer: Written permission from the patient's physician

Lymphedema risk means the arm on the mastectomy side should not be used without a physician's permission.