Nursing & Healthcare Exam Prep

Phlebotomy Exam Prep 28, Hemolysis — Causes and Prevention

This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - How vigorous shaking and traumatic 'probing' draws mechanically destroy red blood cells. - Why using a small gauge needle with a large vacuum tube is a common cause of hemolysis. - The critical impact of hemolysis on test results, causing false elevation of Potassium, LDH, and AST. - How to visually identify a hemolyzed sample by its characteristic pink or reddish serum. - That the only correct action for a hemolyzed specimen on an exam is to request a recollection. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep

Phlebotomy Exam Prep 27, Hematoma Prevention and Management

This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The number one priority when a hematoma begins to form is to immediately stop the blood draw. - Releasing the tourniquet before withdrawing the needle is a critical step to prevent hematoma formation. - Common causes tested on the exam include transfixing the vein, partial needle insertion, and using an incorrect needle gauge. - Use the mnemonic 'STOP' for management: Stop the draw, Talk to the patient, Oppress with firm pressure, and Pack with a cold compress. - Proper documentation of the incident and response is a key professional responsibility covered on the exam. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep

Phlebotomy Exam Prep 26, IV Line Side and Cannula Considerations

This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The primary rule is to always use the opposite arm of a running IV to prevent sample dilution and contamination. - If drawing from an IV arm is unavoidable, the nurse must pause the infusion for at least two minutes before the draw. - The venipuncture site must always be located distal to, or below, the IV cannula insertion point. - A discard tube of at least 5 mL must be drawn first to eliminate residual IV fluid before collecting patient samples. - For heparin or saline locks, a similar discard procedure is required to prevent contamination from the flush solution. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep

Phlebotomy Exam Prep 25, Mastectomy Side Restriction

This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - Why venipuncture is contraindicated on the side of a mastectomy due to lymphedema risk and potential for inaccurate results. - That the restriction against drawing on the mastectomy side is lifelong and does not change over time. - The correct protocol for patients with a bilateral mastectomy, which requires a physician's order for an alternative site. - How to handle exam scenarios involving other complications, such as an IV on the non-restricted arm. - The critical importance of documenting the reason for any alternative venipuncture site selection.

Phlebotomy Exam Prep 24, Difficult Venipuncture Strategies

This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The correct first step to take when faced with difficult-to-find veins. - The protocol and risks associated with using hand or wrist veins as alternative sites. - The strict two-attempt rule and the required action after unsuccessful venipunctures. - Why a physician's order is mandatory before considering an ankle or foot draw. - A memorable mnemonic (HEAT) to recall the proper strategies for difficult draws on your exam. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep