Question

An MA is collecting blood samples to measure a patient's cholesterol levels. Which of the following actions should the assistant take before collecting the Patient's blood?

a.Plan to collect the specimen in the late morning.
b.Make sure the patient did not eat any food for the past 12 hr.
c.Ask the patient if he has taken any medications that day.
d.Ensure that the patient did not drink any water for the past 12 hr.

Answer 1

Before collecting a blood sample to measure cholesterol levels, the MA should ensure the patient has fasted for at least 12 hours to avoid food intake influencing lipid levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an MA is collecting blood samples to measure a patient's cholesterol levels, the assistant should take certain actions before proceeding with the blood collection. One key action is to ensure the patient has not eaten any food for at least 12 hours prior to the sample collection. This fasting period is important due to its impact on lipid levels in the blood, which could otherwise lead to inaccurate cholesterol measurement. The assistant should verify the fasting status with the patient to ensure the results will be valid. While water does not interfere with cholesterol levels, medications taken that day might influence the results, so it's important to ask about and document any medications the patient has taken.