Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 70%

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take to prevent inpatient injury?

Rationale

Raise lowered bedrails following procedures.

Ensuring that bedrails are raised after procedures is crucial for patient safety, as it helps prevent falls and injuries in an inpatient setting. Bedrails create a physical barrier that reduces the risk of patients accidentally rolling out of bed, thereby enhancing their overall security during recovery.

A (Flush the IV after collection.) YOUR ANSWER

Flushing the IV after collection is a common practice to maintain patency and ensure medication delivery but does not directly prevent patient injury. This action is more related to the functionality of the IV line rather than addressing safety concerns related to patient mobility and falls.

B (Move electrical equipment away from the bed.) YOUR ANSWER

While moving electrical equipment away from the bed can reduce the risk of trip hazards or electrical accidents, it does not specifically address patient falls. This action focuses on minimizing environmental risks rather than the immediate safety of the patient in bed.

C (Pause the patient's IV pump.) YOUR ANSWER

Pausing the IV pump may be necessary during certain procedures, but it does not prevent inpatient injury related to falls or mobility. This action is more about managing medication delivery rather than maintaining a safe environment for the patient after a procedure.

Conclusion

Maintaining patient safety involves implementing appropriate measures to prevent injuries, especially in vulnerable inpatient settings. Raising bedrails following procedures is the most effective action a phlebotomist can take to protect patients from falls, which is a significant concern during recovery. Other options may address different aspects of patient care but do not directly enhance safety in the context of preventing injuries related to patient mobility.

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