TAKING VITALS
This vital sign measures the force of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries.
What is blood pressure?
IM and SQ stand for these two medication administration routes.
What are intramuscular and subcutaneous?
Before collecting blood, the patient's identity should be verified using at least this many identifiers.
What are two patient identifiers?
True or false: Pre-labeling several patient specimen containers before collection is a good way to save time.
What is false?
This point-of-care test provides an immediate measurement of a patient's blood glucose.
What is a blood glucose test/check?
Using a blood pressure cuff that is too small may cause the reading to appear this way.
What is falsely high or elevated?
Immediately after use, a needle should be placed in this type of container.
What is an approved sharps container?
A patient tells you, “I always faint when someone draws my blood.” Your priority before starting the procedure is this.
What is take appropriate precautions to ensure the patient's safety?
A collected specimen has no patient label. This should be your next action.
What is stop and follow the applicable specimen-identification/recollection procedure rather than submitting an unidentified specimen?
Shakiness, sweating, weakness, dizziness, or confusion may indicate this glucose-related condition.
What is hypoglycemia?
An unexpected blood pressure reading is significantly different from the patient's previous readings. Before assuming it is accurate, this should be done.
What is repeat/reassess the blood pressure using proper technique?
Name the traditional five rights checked when administering medication.
What are the right patient, medication, dose, route, and time?
Blood specimens should be labeled at this point in the collection process
What is immediately after collection, in the presence of the patient, according to procedure?
Proper collection, storage, timing, and transport help protect this characteristic of a patient specimen.
What is specimen integrity?
Increased thirst and frequent urination may be associated with this glucose-related condition.
What is hyperglycemia?
Name three factors that can affect the accuracy of a blood pressure reading.
What are incorrect cuff size, improper positioning, talking, crossed legs, unsupported arm, recent activity, or similar factors?
You are preparing an injection and discover that the medication label does not match what you expected from the order. This is your next step.
What is stop and clarify the discrepancy before administering the medication?
After inserting the needle, you are unable to obtain blood. Repeatedly probing with the needle is not appropriate. What should you do?
What is stop/reassess and follow the appropriate phlebotomy procedure rather than repeatedly probing?
You notice that the information on the specimen does not match the patient information. Should you “fix” the label and send it to the lab?
What is no? Stop and follow the appropriate specimen identification/recollection procedure.
You obtain a glucose result that is unexpected and does not appear consistent with the patient's presentation. Your next step should include this.
What is assess the patient, verify/recheck the result as appropriate, and follow the established clinical procedure/escalation process?
Your patient is seated with legs crossed, feet off the floor, talking on the phone, and their arm hanging at their side. Identify at least three things you would correct before taking the blood pressure.
What are position feet flat/supported, uncross legs, stop talking, support the arm appropriately, and ensure correct positioning/cuff size?
Before giving an injection, name at least four safety checks/actions you should complete.
What are verify the patient, medication/order, dose, route, time, allergies as applicable, medication integrity/expiration, appropriate equipment/site, hand hygiene, and other required safety checks?
Name four potential complications associated with blood collection.
What are fainting, nausea, seizures, nerve damage, hematoma formation, excessive bleeding, infection, or petechiae?
Your blood specimen is collected successfully, but before it is sent for testing, you notice something that could affect the accuracy or usability of the specimen. Name two reasons a specimen may be unacceptable or require recollection.
What are examples such as incorrect or missing labeling, insufficient specimen volume, use of an incorrect collection container/tube, or compromised specimen integrity?
While waiting for services, a patient becomes shaky, sweaty, weak, and confused. Your team suspects hypoglycemia. Describe your immediate clinical priorities.
What are assess the patient, obtain/verify blood glucose as appropriate, initiate the applicable hypoglycemia protocol/intervention, monitor the patient, and escalate for additional/emergency care when indicated?