Question

A young adult comes to an outpatient lab to have his blood drawn. What should the phlebotomist know before drawing this patient's blood?

Answer 1

Before drawing the blood of a young adult patient in an outpatient lab, the phlebotomist should be aware of the following information:

1) Patient's medical history: The phlebotomist should inquire about the patient's medical history, including any known medical conditions, allergies, or previous adverse reactions to blood draws or medical procedures. This information helps ensure the safety and well-being of the patient during the blood draw.

2) Medications: The phlebotomist should ask the patient about any medications they are currently taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Certain medications can affect blood clotting or interact with the blood draw process, so it is important to be aware of any potential risks or complications.

3) Fasting requirements: Depending on the purpose of the blood draw, the patient may need to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure. The phlebotomist should confirm whether the patient needs to be fasting and for how long, as this can impact the accuracy of certain blood tests.

4) Consent and understanding: The phlebotomist should ensure that the patient understands the purpose of the blood draw, the procedure itself, and any potential risks or discomfort involved. Informed consent should be obtained from the patient before proceeding with the blood draw.

5) Proper identification: The phlebotomist should verify the patient's identity using appropriate identification methods, such as checking their name, date of birth, or unique identifiers, to ensure that the blood sample is correctly labeled and attributed to the correct patient.

By gathering this information and ensuring proper preparation, the phlebotomist can provide a safe and efficient blood draw experience for the young adult patient in the outpatient lab.

Answer 2

Before drawing a patient's blood, the phlebotomist should know the patient's medical history, medications, and allergies to ensure safety and accuracy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before drawing this patient's blood, the phlebotomist should know a few important factors:

1. The patient's medical history and any previous blood transfusions to assess any potential risks or complications.
2. Any medications the patient is taking, as some medications can affect blood clotting or interfere with test results.
3. If the patient has any known allergies or sensitivities, as this can impact the choice of collection equipment or testing procedures.

These factors help ensure the safety and accuracy of the blood draw and subsequent testing.