NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Patient PreparationHard
A phlebotomy technician needs to collect a blood sample from a patient who is unconscious in the emergency department. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate method for patient identification in this scenario?
- AAsk the attending physician to verbally confirm the patient's identity.
- BWait for a family member to arrive and confirm identity.
- CCheck the patient's wristband and verify against the requisition.
- DAssume the patient's identity based on their bed assignment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Check the patient's wristband and verify against the requisition.
For unconscious or unresponsive patients, the identification wristband is the primary and most reliable method for positive patient identification. It must be checked against the requisition form to ensure accuracy.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While a physician may know the patient, the wristband is the official and most direct source of identification for procedures.
- B. Waiting for a family member may delay critical care and is not the primary method for identification in an emergency setting where a wristband should be present.
- D. Relying solely on bed assignment is highly prone to error and is not an acceptable method for positive patient identification.
Unconscious Patient Identification
For patients unable to verbally identify themselves, the identification wristband is the primary source of identification and must be verified against the requisition.
- Wristband is critical for non-verbal patients.
- Must match requisition form.
- Never assume identity based on location.
Memory trick: No words, no worries, the wristband carries all the glories!