Question

During the course of a 5-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT), the phlebotomist began having difficulty getting a venous sample and switched over to dermal punctures to finish out the last three glucose tests. The phlebotomist's decision:

Answer 1

The phlebotomist's decision to switch to dermal punctures for a 5-hour glucose tolerance test underscores the adaptability of clinical practices to ensure the test's completion and accurate assessment of glucose tolerance.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the course of a 5-hour glucose tolerance test (GTT), when a phlebotomist encounters difficulty in obtaining a venous sample and decides to switch to dermal punctures to complete the last three glucose tests, this decision is a reflection of the practical adjustments made in clinical settings. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood and perform venipunctures, but may resort to capillary sticks as an alternative when venous access becomes challenging. It is essential for the continuity of the glucose tolerance test that blood samples are collected at designated intervals to monitor the patient's blood glucose levels after ingesting glucose. The ability to adapt to the situation and use alternative methods ensures that the test can be completed accurately and the patient's tolerance to glucose can be properly assessed.