Nursing responsibilities for patient before and after Complete blood count?

Answer 1

Pretest:

• Positively identify the patient using at least two unique identifiers before providing care, treatment, or services.

Patient Teaching:

Inform the patient this test can assist in evaluating the amount of hemoglobin in the blood to assist in diagnosis and monitor therapy.

• Obtain a history of the patient's complaints, including a list of known allergens, especially Allergies or sensitivities to latex.
• Obtain a history of the patient's cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, hepatobiliary, immune, and respiratory systems; symptoms; and results of previously performed laboratory tests and diagnostic and surgical procedures.
• Note any recent procedures that can interfere with test results.
• Obtain a list of the patient's current medications, including herbs, nutritional supplements, and nutraceuticals
• Review the procedure with the patient. Inform the patient that specimen collection takes approximately 5 to 10 min. Address concerns about pain and explain that there may be some discomfort during the venipuncture.
• Sensitivity to social and cultural issues, as well as concern for modesty, is important in providing psychological support before, during, and after the procedure.
• There are no food, fluid, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Intratest:

• If the patient has a history of allergic reaction to latex, avoid the use of equipment containing latex.
• Instruct the patient to cooperate fully and to follow directions. Direct the patient to breathe normally and to avoid unnecessary movement.
• Observe standard precautions, and follow the general guidelines. Positively identify the patient, and label the appropriate tubes with the corresponding patient Demographics, date, and time of collection. Perform a venipuncture; collect the specimen in a 5-mL lavender-top (EDTA) tube. An EDTA Microtainer sample may be obtained from infants, children, and adults for whom venipuncture may not be feasible. The specimen should be mixed gently by inverting the tube 10 times. The specimen should be analyzed within 24 hr when stored at room temperature or within 48 hr if stored at refrigerated temperature. If it is anticipated the specimen will not be analyzed within 24 hr, two blood smears should be made immediately after the venipuncture and submitted with the blood sample. Smears made from specimens older than 24 hr may contain an unacceptable number of misleading artifactual abnormalities of the RBCs, such as echinocytes and spherocytes, as well as necrobiotic white blood cells.
• Remove the needle and apply direct pressure with dry gauze to stop bleeding. Observe/assess venipuncture site for bleeding or hematoma formation and secure gauze with adhesive bandage.
• Promptly transport the specimen to the laboratory for processing and analysis.

Post-test:

• A report of the results will be sent to the requesting HCP, who will discuss the results with the patient.
• Depending on the results of this procedure, additional testing may be performed to evaluate or monitor progression of the disease process and determine the need for a change in therapy. Evaluate test results in relation to the patient's symptoms and other tests performed.

Answer 2

After an arterial blood gas test nurses must make sure patients are comfortable and they are not having any discomfort. They should also monitor their vitals.