California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What should a phlebotomy technician say if a patient has removed their identification band?

1. “It’s fine, just keep it off.”

2. “I will ask the nurse to replace the identification band.”

3. “Don’t worry about it.”

4. “You should put it back on.”

The correct answer is: “I will ask the nurse to replace the identification band.”

A phlebotomy technician should inform the nurse to replace the identification band when a patient has removed it because patient identification is critical in a medical setting. The identification band serves as a vital safeguard to ensure that the right patient receives the correct treatment and tests, preventing potential mix-ups that can lead to serious medical errors. When the band is missing, there is a risk that the technician might draw blood from the wrong individual, which compromises patient safety. Maintaining accurate identification promotes proper tracking of test results and treatments associated with the patient. By collaborating with the nurse for a replacement, the technician is adhering to protocols that prioritize patient care and safety above all else. This approach ensures that proper procedures are followed in compliance with healthcare guidelines.