Definitions 1
"The moral standards of behavior or conduct that govern an individual's actions."
Ethics
How many patient identifiers should be verified before performing a phlebotomy stick?
At least 2
"The unauthorized release of information about a patient."
Invasion of privacy
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A 15-year-old arrives to the clinical requesting a blood draw to rule out a disease. What is the phlebotomist's requirement prior to performing the blood draw?
Obtaining parent or guarding consent.
"A violation of a duty to exercise reasonable skill and care in performing a task."
Negligence
When do critical test results need to be reported?
Right away
"Professional negligence."
Malpractice
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
A patient arrives to the clinic and has an order in the chart to do a blood draw to check the patient's Hemoglobin levels. The patient is arabic speaking. How does the phlebotomist obtain consent?
Through use of an interpreter.
"The intentional touching of another person without consent."
Battery
Name at least two patient rights.
The right to refuse care, the right to quality health care, the right to be provided with a clean heath care environment, the right to privacy, the right to have assistance when leaving the hospital, etc.
CMS
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
A person has an order for a blood draw. They tell you they have a history of syncope (loss of consciousness) with previous blood draws. Which precautions can you take as the phlebotomist?
Have them lie down during/ after the blood draw. Observe them for at least fifteen minutes to check for lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
"The unjustifiable attempt to touch another person or the threat to do so in such circumstances as to cause the other to believe that it will be carried out or to cause fear."
Assault
This law created legal requirements for the protection, security, and appropriate sharing of a patient's personal health information.
HIPAA
"The claimant who brings a lawsuit or an action."
Plaintiff
AHA
American Hospital Association
The phlebotomist left the tourniquet on the patient's arm. What damage could result?
Nerve damage or loss of circulation
"The unjustifiable detention of a person without a legal warrant."
False imprisonment
A patient asks you to first look at her right arm for a vein, rather than her left, even though it's much easier for you to draw from her left side, given her positioning. What is the best action?
Reposition the patient and look at her right arm for a suitable vein for venipuncture.
"The health care worker or institution against whom the action or lawsuit is filed."
Defendant
CLIA
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988
A phlebotomist performs a venipuncture and notes bright red blood collecting and pulsating through the tube. What does this indicate?
Arterial draw