California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What should a phlebotomy technician do before performing venipuncture on a patient with IVs in both arms?

1. Use the arms with the IVs for the draw

2. Ask the nurse to turn the IVs off for 2 minutes

3. Perform the venipuncture without consultation

4. Use a different site for collection

The correct answer is: Ask the nurse to turn the IVs off for 2 minutes

Before performing venipuncture on a patient with IVs in both arms, the optimal approach is to ask the nurse to turn the IVs off for 2 minutes. This practice allows for the collection of a blood sample that is not contaminated with fluids or medications flowing through the IV lines. The pause ensures that any IV fluids are cleared from the venous pathway, thereby obtaining a more accurate representation of the patient's blood chemistry. Turning off the IV provides a window during which blood can circulate without the influence of the IV fluid, reducing the likelihood of interference from additives or medications within the blood sample. It’s also essential to communicate with the nursing staff regarding the patient's treatment plan and ensure that doing so will not adversely affect patient care. In contrast, using the arms with the IVs for the draw could result in the mixing of the blood with IV fluids, leading to inaccurate lab results. Consulting a nurse before drawing blood is crucial, especially in delicate situations like these. Attempting venipuncture without consulting could compromise the accuracy of the test and the patient’s care. Finally, while using a different site for collection might also be a valid approach, turning off the IV gives a direct solution to the issue without requiring additional site selection.