Phlebotomy, Communication, and Specimen Collection Flashcards

Flashcards covering communication cycles, Patient Rights, HIPAA, phlebotomy preparations, and nonblood specimen collection guidelines.

What marks the final phase of the communication cycle?

Feedback marks the last phase of the communication process, providing an indication of whether the message was understood as intended.

What is the primary objective of therapeutic communication in a health care setting?

To improve a patient's comfort, safety, trust, health, and overall well-being.

What active listening technique involves repeating or paraphrasing what the speaker has said?

Reflections.

How is summarizing defined as an active listening component?

The process of briefly restating the main points of what the speaker has said, usually at the end of a conversation or a major point.

What type of active listening inquiries cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no"?

Open-ended questions.

When guiding a patient with a visual impairment, what action should a phlebotomist take to ensure safety?

Offer your arm rather than directing them verbally.

How should a health care provider communicate vocally with a patient experiencing hearing loss?

Face them directly, speak clearly without raising your voice excessively, and use a lower vocal pitch.

Which organization initially developed the Patients' Bill of Rights?

The American Hospital Association (AHA).

What updated name did the American Hospital Association give to the "Patients' Bill of Rights" in 2003?

The Patient Care Partnership.

How many patient identifiers must be provided prior to initiating a phlebotomy procedure?

At least two identifiers (such as full name and date of birth).

Which two location identifiers should never be relied upon to confirm a patient's identity?

Room or bed numbers.

Proceeding with a blood draw without securing patient consent could be considered what legal offense?

Battery.

What three pieces of information must a phlebotomist manually add to a specimen label immediately after collection?

The collection date, collection time, and the phlebotomist's initials.

What category of lab requisition demands immediate attention due to critical conditions?

Stat orders.

Why is proper hydration recommended prior to a venipuncture procedure?

Drinking plenty of water makes veins more prominent and easier to locate, facilitating a smoother and quicker blood draw.

What questions can a phlebotomist ask to verify if a patient is in a basal state?

Questions such as "What time did you wake up?", "When did you last eat or drink anything?", or "Have you exercised today?"

What alternative seating should be used for a patient who has a history of fainting during blood draws?

A reclining chair or an examination table.

What immediate actions should be taken if a patient begins to feel faint during a blood draw?

Immediately halt the procedure, instruct the patient to lower their head and take deep breaths, loosen constrictive clothing, apply a cold compress to the forehead or neck, and monitor them for at least 15 minutes.

Where should venipuncture be performed if a patient has undergone bilateral mastectomies?

A vein on the back of the hand or wrist.

How do thrombosed veins feel, and should they be selected for venipuncture?

They feel rope-like and roll easily; they should not be used for venipuncture.

How long should a patient rest before a blood draw if they have recently engaged in intense exercise?

15 to 30 minutes.

What step must be taken if a patient experiences a sharp, electric-like pain during needle insertion?

Stop immediately, remove the needle, and apply pressure.

What is the ideal position for a patient's arm during venipuncture?

Fully extended with the palm facing up.

How much urine should be collected for a random urine specimen?

30 to 60 mL of urine.

What are the characteristics and capacity of a timed urine collection container?

Containers are sturdy, opaque to light, have a capacity of around 3,000 mL, and feature a wide opening with a secure, leakproof screw-on lid.

What must happen if any urine is accidentally passed into the toilet during a 24-hour collection period?

The collection is compromised and must be restarted.

What is the expected pH range measured by a urine reagent strip?

About 5 to 7.

What is the expected specific gravity range for urine on a reagent strip, and what range do values typically fall between?

Expected values range from 1.003 to 1.030, but typically fall between 1.010 and 1.025.

A urine specific gravity value below 1.010 indicates what condition?

Dilute urine.

What documentation is required during urine drug screening to maintain specimen integrity and prove it has not been tampered with?

A chain of custody form.

How should stool samples collected for parasite testing be handled regarding temperature and lab transport?

They should not be refrigerated and must be taken to the lab immediately.

How many separate areas of a stool sample must be collected for a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)?

Three separate areas.

Why should a sputum sample be collected early in the morning before eating or drinking?

To ensure the sputum is undiluted and contains a higher concentration of potential pathogens.

What volume of sputum is typically required for an adequate diagnostic sample?

1 to 2 tsp of sputum.

Within what timeframe should a collected semen sample ideally be delivered to the laboratory?

Ideally within 1 hour of collection.