Question

When arriving at a patient's room for a timed blood draw, a phlebotomist observes an airborne precautions sign on the patient's door. How should the phlebotomist proceed?

A. Enter patient's room, and proceed with procedure, as it is time sensitive
B. Apply PPE, sterile cloth mask, and proceed with procedure
C. Apply N95, and proceed with procedure
D. Apply PPE and N95, and proceed with procedure

Answer 1

The phlebotomist should apply both PPE and an N95 respirator before entering the patient's room to proceed with the timed blood draw, ensuring safety and infection control.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a phlebotomist arrives at a patient's room with an airborne precautions sign on the door, they should follow the correct infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections that are transmitted through the air. The correct course of action would be D. Apply PPE and N95, and proceed with the procedure. The phlebotomist needs to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which may include gowns, gloves, and eye protection, as well as an N95 respirator to filter airborne particles effectively. This is crucial to ensure both the safety of the phlebotomist and the containment of the infectious agent within the patient's room.