Chapters 3-4 Study Guide: Phlebotomy Communication and Infection Control

Comprehensive review flashcards covering phlebotomy communication techniques, medical terminology, standard precautions, hand hygiene, and bloodborne pathogen protocols from Chapters 3 and 4.

What three pieces of information must be recorded when taking a telephone message?

The name of the caller, a phone number, and a message.

How should a Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) communicate with patients regarding medical terminology?

A PBT should not use medical terminology with patients.

Instead of using clichés, how should a PBT respond when interacting with a patient?

The PBT should listen to what the patient is really saying and respond with a meaningful message.

What question should a PBT avoid asking when a patient makes a statement?

The PBT should avoid asking "Why?"

What language are healthcare workers expected to speak while working, especially in front of patients?

English, no matter what other languages they may speak.

What can ignoring a patient's concerns be legally or professionally considered?

Negligent behavior.

What does the abbreviation CBC stand for and what is it?

Complete blood count, a common blood test.

What does the abbreviation Hgb stand for and what is its function?

Hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

What time format may healthcare documentation require workers to use?

The 24-hour clock, or military time.

What constitutes a mistake in care during specimen collection that requires an incident report?

Collecting an incorrect specimen, or collecting an incorrect specimen from the wrong patient or the wrong site (area on the patient's body).

What is a sentinel event?

An unexpected occurrence that results in serious physical or psychological injury or death.

What steps should be taken regarding the environment to facilitate patient communication?

Reduce or remove background noise, such as television, music, and loud speech.

Why should healthcare workers not rely on a patient's friend or family member to translate medical information?

Patients have a right to receive information about their medical care in a language they understand, so family and friends should not be relied upon to translate.

What is the distinction between a localized infection and a systemic infection?

A localized infection is limited to a specific location in the body, whereas a systemic infection affects the entire body.

Why is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) extremely difficult to eliminate?

Because the bacteria are spread by spores that are not killed by hand sanitizer and can live on surfaces for months or even years.

Handwashing is classified as a part of which medical practice?

Medical asepsis.

What does following Standard Precautions require healthcare workers to do?

Treating blood, body fluids, nonintact skin (like abrasions, pimples, or open sores), and mucous membranes as if they were infected.

With which patients must Standard Precautions be utilized?

Standard Precautions must be used with every patient.

What should immediately be done if skin surfaces are contaminated with blood or other body fluids?

Immediately wash all skin surfaces that have been contaminated with blood and other body fluids.

Under what circumstance must hands be washed using soap and water rather than alternative rubs?

When hands are visibly soiled.

What is the proper technique for drying hands after washing?

Use a clean, dry paper towel to dry off all surfaces of your fingers, hands, and wrists, starting at the fingertips.

How should a healthcare worker turn off the faucet after washing hands?

Use a clean, dry paper towel to turn off the faucet.

What is the first step in glove removal (doffing)?

Grasp the glove at the palm and pull it off.

What is an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR)?

A room for patients with airborne illnesses that is specifically ventilated to reduce the risk of pathogens leaving the room.

How does the CDC classify COVID-19 in terms of transmission?

As both a droplet and airborne disease.

What are bloodborne pathogens and where can they be found?

Microorganisms found in human blood that can cause infection and disease in humans; they may also be found in body fluids, draining wounds, and mucous membranes.

How are bloodborne pathogens transmitted?

By infected blood entering the bloodstream, or if infected semen or vaginal secretions contact mucous membranes.

What is hepatitis and what factors can cause it?

An inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as alcohol abuse, medications, and trauma.

What does a cut containing potentially infectious body fluid include?

Human bites.

What is the purpose of an employer's written exposure control plan?

To eliminate or reduce employee exposure to infectious materials.

How frequently must multi-patient point of care testing devices, such as glucose meters, be disinfected?

After each use.

Which vaccination are employers required to provide free of charge to all employees?

Hepatitis B vaccinations.

What action must be taken immediately following an exposure to infection, blood, or body fluids?

Immediately report any exposure to infection, blood, or body fluids.