Collection ProceduresQuestion 31 of 100
A phlebotomist has attempted venipuncture twice on the same patient without obtaining blood. What is the correct next step?
a.Attempt a third and fourth time on the same arm
b.Probe laterally with the needle already in place until blood appears
c.Stop and ask another qualified phlebotomist to attempt the draw
d.Send the patient home and cancel the tests
Explanation
Standard practice limits a phlebotomist to two attempts before handing the patient to another qualified collector, which protects the patient from repeated trauma. Blind lateral probing risks nerve damage and arterial puncture and is never acceptable. Canceling ordered tests without escalation deprives the provider of needed results.
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