California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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When performing a venipuncture on a patient with pneumonia, what additional personal protective equipment should a technician wear besides gloves?

  1. Face shield

  2. Face mask

  3. Gown

  4. Eye protection

The correct answer is: Face mask

When performing a venipuncture on a patient with pneumonia, it is critical to wear a face mask in addition to gloves to protect against respiratory droplets that may be present due to the patient's condition. Pneumonia can lead to coughing or sneezing, which increases the risk of exposure to infectious agents carried in the air. A face mask acts as a barrier to prevent these droplets from being inhaled, thereby decreasing the chance of transmission. While other forms of personal protective equipment like face shields, gowns, and eye protection can also be appropriate in certain situations, they do not specifically address the primary route of infection for respiratory illnesses, which is often through inhalation of droplets. The use of a face mask ensures that the technician is safeguarded against respiratory pathogens that could be present in the patient's environment during the procedure.