Veins/Arteries
What are capillaries?
the smallest blood vessels
What does "gauge" refer to?
It is the term that refers to the diameter of the bore of the needle.
What is the tube drawn before a Light Blue Top if the Light Blue Top is the first tube drawn?
discard tube
What is the first thing you do after greeting the patient?
ID the patient
What must you do if you need to ID a sleeping patient?
You must gently bring him/her to consciousness so he/she can verify ID and give consent.
What is important about the median cubital vein?
It is the first choice for venipuncture blood vessel.
When should you activate the needle's safety feature/device?
immediately after taking the needle out of the vein
What is the first tube in the order of draw?
Blood Cultures
What should the phlebotomist never put on the patient?
the ID band
What is the blood-to-additive ratio necessary for the light blue tube?
9:1
What is the angle at which you should insert the needle into the vein?
30 degrees
How many times may you stick a patient?
2
What is the last tube in the order of draw?
Grey Top
What must be worn by the phlebotomist at all times?
an ID badge
Why should you use the butterfly needle sparingly?
It is expensive, so use it only when necessary.
What do the pulmonary veins do?
They carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
What is the position the bevel should be in prior to a venipuncture?
up
What does SST stand for?
Serum Separator Tube
What are the 2 most important pieces of information on the patient's ID band/bracelet?
the patient's name and MRN
What are poor posture and a wrinkled lab coat examples of?
They are both negative nonverbal gestures.
What is important about the superior and inferior vena cava?
They are largest veins in the body.
What are the three parts of a needle?
shaft, hub, bevel
What are the 4 most common anticoagulants?
EDTA, Citrate, Heparin, Oxalate
What are 3 items you must verify against the patient's ID bracelet?
patient name, patient birthdate, spelling of patient's last name
What is fasting?
not eating for 12 hours