Question 47

The phlebotomist should use identification by the patient's nurse.

Using identification by the patient's nurse is the most reliable method in this scenario, as the nurse is directly associated with the child's care and can confirm their identity based on medical records and personal knowledge.

A) Identification by another phlebotomist

While another phlebotomist may have knowledge of the child, they are not as directly involved in the child's care as the nurse. This option could lead to errors in identification, as the phlebotomist may not have access to the same information or records as the nurse.

B) Identification by the patients nurse

This option is correct because the patient's nurse has direct responsibility for the child's care and is likely to have the most accurate and up-to-date information for identification. The nurse can verify the child's identity through their medical records, making this method the safest choice.

C) Patients room number

Using the patient's room number is not a reliable method for identification. Room numbers can be reassigned or may not accurately reflect the patient currently in that room, which could lead to misidentification and potential errors in care.

D) Patients door card

While a patient's door card may provide some information, it is not a definitive method for identification. Door cards can be misplaced or may not contain up-to-date information about the patient, making this option less reliable than using the nurse's verification.

Conclusion

Identification by the patient's nurse is the most appropriate choice due to the nurse's comprehensive knowledge of the patient's identity and care. Other options, such as identification by another phlebotomist, room number, or door card, do not provide the same level of assurance and could potentially lead to identification errors. Thus, relying on the nurse ensures the highest accuracy in confirming the child's identity.