Question

When performing a draw on an inpatient with a recent mastectomy, the phlebotomy technician finds that an IV is running in the arm on the non-mastectomy side. Which site should the phlebotomy technician use? (A) The dorsal aspect of the hand on the mastectomy side (B) The third or fourth finger of the hand on the mastectomy side, documenting that capillary blood was drawn (C) A site proximal to the IV on the non-mastectomy side (D) A site distal to the IV on the non-mastectomy side

Answer 1

The phlebotomy technician should use a site proximal to the IV on the non-mastectomy side.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing a draw on an inpatient with a recent mastectomy, the phlebotomy technician should use a site proximal (close to) to the IV on the non-mastectomy side. This is because the IV running in the arm on the non-mastectomy side may affect the blood draws from the mastectomy side. Using a site proximal to the IV means choosing a site that is closer to the IV, while avoiding the arm with the IV.