General Practice Flashcards

Which of the following sums up hemodialysis the best?

Answer: It's the process of purifying the blood of a person whose kidneys aren't functioning normally

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure used to remove waste products, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood when a person's kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions adequately. It acts as an artificial kidney, filtering the blood outside the body through a machine. This process purifies the blood and helps maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.

Which of the following is most crucial for a peak and trough sample to be successful and effective?

Answer: Timing

Peak and trough blood samples are collected to monitor the levels of certain medications in a patient's bloodstream, ensuring therapeutic efficacy and preventing toxicity. The 'peak' level is drawn when the drug concentration is highest, and the 'trough' level is drawn when it's lowest, just before the next dose. Precise timing of these collections relative to drug administration is absolutely critical for accurate interpretation of the drug's pharmacokinetics and for guiding dosage adjustments.

Which of the following best describes the study of blood cells?

Answer: Hematology

Hematology is the branch of medicine and medical science concerned with the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. This field specifically encompasses the analysis of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—their formation, function, and any abnormalities. Therefore, hematology best describes the study of blood cells.

Which of the following will happen if tubes are chilled?

Answer: Slowed gel flow

Many blood collection tubes contain a thixotropic gel separator that forms a barrier between serum/plasma and blood cells after centrifugation. If these tubes are chilled, the viscosity of the gel increases significantly. This increased viscosity can impede the gel's ability to properly move and form a clean barrier during centrifugation, leading to slowed or incomplete gel flow and potentially affecting specimen separation and integrity.

What is the term for an increase in red blood cells brought on by a reduction in plasma volume?

Answer: Hemoconcentration

Hemoconcentration refers to an increase in the concentration of blood components, such as red blood cells, due to a decrease in the plasma volume. This can occur from dehydration, prolonged tourniquet application, or excessive fluid loss. It essentially means the blood becomes 'thicker' or more concentrated, leading to falsely elevated values for certain blood tests.

Which of the following is the best approach to take when evaluating a venipuncture site?

Answer: The use of sense of touch

While visual inspection is important to identify suitable veins and rule out contraindications, palpation (the use of touch) is the most critical step in evaluating a venipuncture site. Palpation allows the phlebotomist to assess the depth, direction, size, and resilience of the vein. This helps to distinguish it from arteries or tendons and ensures a successful and safe venipuncture.

Which of the following is true regarding the need for warming babies before a heel puncture?

Answer: To increase flow of blood

Warming an infant's heel before a heel stick procedure is essential because it causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the puncture site. This enhanced blood flow helps to ensure an adequate volume of blood can be collected quickly and efficiently. This minimizes the need for repeat punctures and reduces discomfort for the infant.

Which of the subsequent claims is accurate?

Answer: A lancet is very crucial in performing a finger stick

A lancet is a small, sterile, sharp instrument specifically designed to create a controlled, superficial puncture on the skin, which is essential for capillary blood collection procedures like a finger stick. Without a lancet, it would be impossible to safely and effectively obtain the required blood sample from the capillary bed. Its precise design ensures minimal tissue damage while allowing sufficient blood flow for collection.

Which one of the following is collected by capillary tubes?

Answer: Blood

Capillary tubes, also known as microhematocrit tubes, are small, narrow glass or plastic tubes used to collect small volumes of blood. They are typically used for samples obtained from capillary punctures, such as finger sticks or heel sticks. These tubes are commonly used for tests like hematocrit determination or for collecting samples for various point-of-care tests.

What other work relates to systolic and diastolic pressure?

Answer: Contraction, Relaxation

Systolic blood pressure represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart ventricles contract, pushing blood out into the body. Diastolic blood pressure represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart ventricles relax and refill with blood between beats. Therefore, systolic pressure relates to contraction, and diastolic pressure relates to relaxation of the heart.

What are the stages of the infection chain?

Answer: Source, mode of transmission, susceptible host.

The infection chain describes the sequence of events necessary for an infection to occur. It typically starts with a 'Source' (reservoir) where the pathogen lives, followed by a 'Mode of transmission' (how it spreads), and finally a 'Susceptible host' (an individual who can become infected). Understanding these stages is crucial for breaking the chain and preventing the spread of disease in healthcare settings.

The human body is always covered in?

Answer: Bacteria

The human body is naturally covered in a vast ecosystem of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, known as the microbiome. These bacteria reside on the skin, in the gut, and other areas, playing essential roles in health. While some can be pathogenic, many are commensal or beneficial, and their presence is a normal physiological state.

How much time should a phlebotomist spend washing their hands?

Answer: 1-2 minutes

Healthcare guidelines, such as those from the CDC, recommend washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water for routine hand hygiene. However, in specific clinical situations requiring more thorough decontamination, such as surgical scrubbing or after contact with highly infectious agents, a longer duration of 1-2 minutes is often recommended. This extended time ensures effective removal or inactivation of transient microorganisms.

The most typical method of transmission of ______ is by blood.

Answer: HBV, HCB, and HIV

HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are well-known bloodborne pathogens. They are primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, making them significant concerns in healthcare. Phlebotomists must adhere to strict universal precautions to prevent their transmission during blood collection procedures.

What exactly is contamination?

Answer: The process by which an area or object becomes unclean or dirty.

Contamination refers to the presence of unwanted substances, particularly microorganisms, on an area or object, making it unclean or potentially infectious. In healthcare, this term is critical for maintaining sterility and preventing the spread of pathogens. It emphasizes that surfaces, equipment, or supplies can become contaminated, posing a risk to patients and staff.

What exactly are antiseptics?

Answer: Chemicals used to clean human skin by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms (e.g., 70% isopropyl alcohol, iodine, chlorhexidine, chlorine, hexachlorophene, chloroxylenol, quaternary ammonium compounds, and triclosan)

Antiseptics are chemical agents specifically formulated to be safe for use on living tissues, such as human skin. Their primary function is to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Common examples like 70% isopropyl alcohol and iodine are routinely used by phlebotomists to prepare a patient's skin before venipuncture.