Activity 5

ALEJANDRO, RIA R.

SALIH, HAMDAN

BSMT 1C

1. Name two sites commonly used for adult capillary collection.

 The palmar surface of the distal segments of the third and fourth fingers, as well as
the big toe, are typically employed for adult capillary collection.

2. Explain why it is best to perform a capillary collection rather than a venipuncture on children.

 Because a child's smaller veins and lesser blood volume make traditional
venipuncture difficult and potentially harmful, dermal puncture is suggested.

3. List six types of patients, other than infants, for whom capillary collection may be advisable.

 Patients who are undergoing frequent glucose monitoring or blood tests, are obese,
have IVs in place, are geriatric, have burns or scars, are at risk for venous thrombosis,
are restrained, or are at risk for anemia, hemorrhage, infection, organ or tissue
damage, arteriospasm, or cardiac arrest may benefit from dermal puncture.

4. Explain why, in a capillary collection, the first drop of blood is wiped away with clean gauze.

 To avoid contaminating the sample with tissue fluid, the first drop of blood in a
dermal puncture is wiped away with clean gauze.

5. Describe what microcollection containers are used for.

 Typically, micropipets are utilized to collect samples for arterial blood gas
measurements.

6. What can be used to stimulate blood flow to the capillaries?

 To promote blood flow to the capillaries, use warm washcloths or heel-warmer

packs.

7. List six specific areas of the skin to avoid when performing a capillary collection.

 Scars, cuts, bruises, rashes, or edema should be avoided while doing a capillary stick,
as should callused, burned, blue, and infected areas, as well as past puncture sites.

8. At what age are heel sticks preferred to finger sticks?

 In youngsters under the age of one year, heel sticks are favored over finger sticks.

9. List four reasons alcohol must air-dry before a capillary stick.

 Unless alcohol air-dries before a capillary stick, stinging, hemolysis, and

contamination can occur. Alcohol also can interfere with the formation of rounded
drops of blood on the skin surface.

10. Explain why povidone–iodine should not be used for capillary collection procedures.

 Povidone-iodine may elevate test results for bilirubin, uric acid, phosphorus, and
potassium and therefore is not recommended for use with capillary collection
procedures.

11. Which fingers are acceptable to use for capillary collection?

 Dermal puncture can be done with the third and fourth fingers.

12. Describe the order of collection for a capillary collection.

  Blood smears, platelet counts, CBCs, and other hematology tests come first, followed
by platelet counts, CBCs, and other hematology tests, and then other testing.

13. Explain the purpose of the BT test.

 The bleeding time test determines how long it takes for bleeding to stop after an
incision has been made. It aids in determining the total integrity of primary
hemostasis, which includes the vascular system and platelet activity.

14. Why should bandages not be placed on young children following a dermal puncture?

 Because small toddlers can remove bandages and choke on them, bandages should
not be used on children under the age of two.

1. What must be done if the patient is not in the room when you come to collect a specimen?

 If a patient is not in the room when you arrive to collect a specimen, you must make
every effort to locate him or her by contacting the nursing station.

2. What hospital protocol is followed when you are supposed to draw blood from a patient who is
not wearing an ID bracelet?

 If a patient does not have an ID bracelet, contact the nursing station to have one
placed on them by the on-duty nurse. You must not draw blood unless the patient is
wearing an ID bracelet. Specific policies surrounding the settlement of patient
identity issues may differ from one institution to the next, so make sure you follow
your institution's policy.

3. How is an unconscious patient approached for blood collection?

 Patients who are unconscious should be treated the same way you would aware
patients: introduce yourself and describe the procedure. Even if they are unable to
answer, they may be able to hear you.

4. Name six potential barriers to communicating with a patient.

 Sleeping or unconscious patients, the presence of physicians, members of the clergy,

or visitors, hesitant patients, and language challenges are all potential impediments
to connecting with a patient and the reluctance of the patient

5. Define hemolysis.

 Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells are destroyed, releasing hemoglobin and
other cellular contents into the plasma.

6. Define occluded, and describe what occluded veins feel like.

 Occluding veins become clogged. Occluded veins have a stiff or cordlike texture and
are brittle.

7. Describe where the tourniquet is applied when performing a dorsal hand stick.

 The tourniquet is wrapped around the wrist below the antecubital fossa when
performing a dorsal hand stick.

8. What antiseptic must be used when collecting for a blood alcohol test?

 When collecting for a blood alcohol test, povidone-iodine must be utilized. Alcohol
might have a negative impact on test findings.

9. List four things that can cause hemoconcentration.

  A tourniquet worn for more than one minute, fist pumping, sclerosed or blocked
veins, long-term IV therapy, or dehydration can all produce hemoconcentration.

10. What symptoms might a patient exhibit immediately before syncope?

 The skin of a patient who is about to syncope feels chilly, moist, and clammy.

11. How can you correct the position of a needle whose bevel has stuck to the vein wall?

 If the bevel of a needle has been stuck to the vein wall, spin the needle slightly to
adjust its position.

12. What can cause a vein to collapse during a blood draw?

 Too much vacuum on a small vein can cause it to collapse during a blood draw.
During the syringe method, it may occur when the plunger is pulled too quickly.

13. How many venipuncture attempts by a phlebotomist are usually considered acceptable?

 Most organizations have a policy that allows for a second attempt. After a second
failed attempt, a new phlebotomist should be located to take the patient's blood.

14. How can a phlebotomist prevent reflux of an additive during collection?

 During collection, maintain the patient's arm inclined downward so that the tube is
constantly below the site, letting it to fill from the bottom up, preventing additional
reflux. Before removing the tourniquet or needle, remove the final tube from the
needle.

15. List five reasons specimens may be rejected.

 Specimens may be rejected for a variety of reasons, including a lack of a requisition

form, specimens that are unlabeled or mislabeled, incompletely filled tubes, damaged
tubes, collection in the wrong tube, hemolysis, or clotted blood in an anticoagulated
specimen, contaminated specimens and containers, and incorrect special handling
are all issues that need to be addressed.