Reference no: EM133666754

Problem

Prepare for the procedure by carefully assembling and organizing the equipment and supplies you'll need. Wash your hands and put gloves on. Introduce yourself to the patient using your full name and credentials. Identify the patient using two types of identifiers and verify the provider's orders. Take some time to explain the procedure within the patient's level of understanding. Allay the patient's fears and help him or her to feel more comfortable by providing an opportunity to ask questions. Turn on the analyzer to allow the self-check to begin and calibrate it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some models do not require calibration. Familiarize yourself with the particular instructions that apply to the analyzer that you will be using. For this model, check to make sure the lot code on the screen matches the lot code on the test strip container. Select an appropriate site for the capillary puncture. Clean the area with an alcohol wipe. Turn on the analyzer and insert a test strip. Perform the capillary puncture, wiping away the first drop of blood with gauze. Apply the second drop of blood to the test strip by touching the hanging blood drop to the test spot. Ensure the blood drop is large enough to completely cover the test spot. Apply a folded gauze pad to the puncture site and ask the patient to hold pressure for 2 minutes, or until the bleeding ceases. Read the results and assess the patient. Apply a bandage strip to the puncture site once the bleeding has stopped. Keep in mind that a fingertip bandage is a choking hazard and should not be used for children under the age of 3. Remove gloves and discard them into the biohazard container. Apply hand sanitizer and record the results. Apply new gloves. Disinfect the analyzer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Disinfect the counter area. Discard all contaminated equipment and supplies into the biohazard waste receptacle. Remove gloves and discard them into the biohazard container. Wash your hands. Document the procedure in the progress notes charting section of the patient's medical record and complete a lab report in the lab section of the medical record.

A blood count is one of the most frequently ordered tests on blood. Most analyzers that perform this test are listed as moderately complex. Since every automated piece of equipment will have its own instructions, check your institutional policies before running any analyzer, and to make certain that you could perform the complete blood count since it is listed as a moderately complex test. Describe to the patient what is included in a complete CBC.

A test that is included in the CBC is hemoglobin. Describe what type of complexity this test is and describe what a hemoglobin test is for.

A panic value is a test result that is critically too low or too high and always requires immediate intervention by the health care provider. Describe the normal ranges of a hemoglobin for both males and females and give an example of what would be considered a panic value for a hemoglobin.