Paperwork & Protocol
List the information that goes in a lab requisition
Patient’s full name, DOB, patient’s sec, MRN, social security, allergies, time of collection, diagnostic coding, billing information
When performing a capillary puncture for an adult patient, discuss the appropriate location(s)
use patient’s middle & ring finger on the side
Define edema
swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in the body’s tissues
Antecubital space/ area
elbow area where needle is stuck for blood draws
How long should you wash your hands before venipuncture
20s
List the information that goes on a lab label
Date & time of collection, specimen, ordering physician, initials, patients full name & DOB
Please discuss why we should not perform a capillary puncture on the other fingers
little finger is too small, pointer & thumb are too sensitive & have calluses
Define Hematoma
swelling of clotted blood within tissues
Median cubital vein:
superficial vein (close to the skin) connecting the cephalic & basilic vein
What % hand sanitizer should you use before venipuncture
60%
Discuss why we should examine the requisition
Verify that tests ordered comply with testing times & verify specific preparations/restrictions
When performing a capillary puncture on a child, discuss at what age should we perform a heel stick
If patient is <12 months old
Plasma
part of blood with nutrients
Cephalic vein:
superficial vein on the upper limb. One of the two major veins in arm
Discuss how to properly cleanse the puncture site
Use a 70% alcohol swab and cleanse site in circular motions
Discuss what information we ask the patient to state at least two acceptable identifiers
Full name & DOB
Antecubital space/ area
elbow area where needle is stuck for blood draws
Hemolysis
breakage of red blood cells
Basilic vein:
large superficial vein in the arm used for drainage
Discuss the pto angle to a venipuncture for a hand and arm:
Hand = 10 degrees
Arm = 15-30 degree
At times patients are not able to identify themes because of consciousness, cognitive deficits,and sedating medication. In this case, please discuss other method(s) we can use to identify our patient
View patient’s wristband & ask family member to identify patient
Understand the placement for the tourniquet on the arm how many inches from the antecubital area)
3-4 inches
Hemostasis
mechanism stopping blood flow from blood vessel
Transfix:
when the needle enters the top of a vein & then punctures the bottom. Missing the vein causes bruising/ hematoma
Understand the placement for the tourniquet on the arm how many inches from the antecubital area):
3-4 inches