Question

A little old man covered in scabs was continuously picking at his wounds and came in for his regular PT test. He was a difficult draw. The phlebotomist selected and cleansed the site and the glove of her index finger. Just before needle insertion, the phlebotomist touched the selected site and then gently slid the needle into the vein. The patient ended up in ICU with septicemia originating at the venipuncture site, filed a lawsuit, and the hospital settled out of court. Why?

a) The phlebotomist didn't wear gloves
b) The phlebotomist failed to clean the site properly
c) The phlebotomist introduced bacteria from her glove into the vein
d) The patient was allergic to the antiseptic

Answer 1

The hospital settled after a patient developed septicemia as a result of the phlebotomist contaminating the venipuncture site with bacteria from her glove, violating sterility protocols.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hospital settled out of court because the phlebotomist introduced bacteria from her glove into the vein. This is considered a breach of clinical protocol, as the skin's surface was contaminated by the phlebotomist's gloved touch immediately prior to the needle insertion. Maintaining a sterile environment at the venipuncture site is critical to prevent infections. Patients with venous catheters are at risk for bloodstream infections, and hospitals must be diligent to prevent such serious complications. Septicemia is life-threatening and can result in ICU admission and potentially fatal outcomes, as seen with the increased risk of needle sticks for professions like phlebotomists and dentists.