In: Nursing
3. A phlebotomist is attempting a venipuncture on a patient with difficult veins. As the phlebotomist is redirecting and “digging” around the patient’s arm to get the blood to flow, a better vein is noted adjacent to the one they are currently attempting. Thinking that the patient will not notice, the phlebotomist quickly withdraws the needle from the vein and moves it to the other vein only centimeters away without changing needles or explaining the situation to the patient. Fortunately, the blood comes quickly and the phlebotomist finishes with the patient who appears satisfied and unaware of what happened. What are the safety issues and legal ramifications of what the phlebotomist did?
In this scenario the pblebotomist did not performed the best pracice in venipuncture.Venipuncture is extraction of blood from a vein.
SAFETY ISSUES
.Did not follow the standard care properly.
The procedure should not planned properly.Here no evidence of planning.
Before puncture inspect the arm for vein or find an appropriate area (not done)
Clearly mention PATIENT WITH DIFFICULT VEINS.But no preparations made.
Multiple pricks are not allowed.After 2 pricks should call another expert to perform the procedure.
Not informed the patient .If there is an order from physician the patient has or deserve the right to refuse any procedures.Moreover patient has the right to know in detail each and everything which is done for him/her.
Not followed the infection prevention guidelines.( Using the same needle increased the chance of infection,even if it is used for the same patient at the same time.)
Before each prick need to clean the area to avoid infection
DIGGING and redirecting the needle is not allowed.It will lead to complications such as nerve injury, paralysis arterial or venous hematoma formation,swelling and pain.
LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS
Not informed the patient
DIGGING is a malpracice
Not a well trained person ,because not able to deliver the proper care.This is negligence.
The quality of care not shown( multiple pricks, used needle prick)