NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceHard
A phlebotomy technician is asked to perform a STAT venipuncture on a patient suspected of having a highly contagious airborne disease. The designated isolation room is occupied. What is the most appropriate action for the technician to take?
- AWait until the isolation room becomes available, explaining the delay to the ordering physician.
- BPerform the venipuncture in a standard patient room, wearing an N95 respirator.
- CNotify the charge nurse or infection control and request guidance on an alternative safe location.
- DPerform the venipuncture in the hallway to avoid delaying the STAT order.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Notify the charge nurse or infection control and request guidance on an alternative safe location.
A patient with a suspected highly contagious airborne disease requires specific isolation measures, including a negative pressure room. Performing the draw in an unsafe location or merely waiting compromises safety and efficiency. The most appropriate action is to escalate the issue to leadership (charge nurse/infection control) for a safe and timely solution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Waiting indefinitely for an isolation room for a STAT order is not an acceptable solution for critical patient care; proactive problem-solving is needed.
- B. A standard room does not provide the necessary negative pressure or air filtration for airborne precautions, even with an N95, risking spread to others.
- D. Performing a venipuncture in a hallway for an airborne contagious patient is a severe breach of infection control and patient privacy.
Isolation Room Alternatives
Procedures for managing patients requiring isolation when a designated isolation room is unavailable, prioritizing both patient care and infection control.
- Never compromise infection control for convenience.
- Escalate to nursing or infection control for guidance.
- Alternative solutions may include cohorting, temporary rooms, or delayed non-urgent procedures.
Memory trick: No Isolation Room? Call for HELP, Don't Assume!