Question 69

Increased bleeding time

A phlebotomist should anticipate increased bleeding time for a patient who has been taking warfarin. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that affects the blood's ability to clot, leading to prolonged bleeding during and after procedures such as venipuncture.

A) Fasting requirement

This option is incorrect as fasting is not a specific requirement related to the administration of warfarin. While certain tests may require fasting, warfarin itself does not necessitate this condition for patients, making this choice irrelevant in the context of anticipated effects on bleeding.

B) Alternate antiseptic required

This option is also incorrect. There is no need for an alternate antiseptic when dealing with patients on warfarin. Standard antiseptic protocols remain effective and necessary regardless of the patient's medication, thus this choice does not address the bleeding concerns associated with warfarin.

C) Increased bleeding time

This option is correct because warfarin significantly extends the time it takes for blood to clot. Patients on this medication are at a higher risk for excessive bleeding, and phlebotomists must be aware of this risk when performing blood draws.

D) Specimen placed on ice

This option is incorrect as placing specimens on ice is not a requirement specifically related to patients taking warfarin. Specimen handling protocols depend on the type of test being performed rather than the patient's anticoagulant therapy, making this choice unrelated to the question at hand.

Conclusion

Increased bleeding time is the clear and correct answer due to the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, which directly impacts patient safety during phlebotomy procedures. The other options fail to address the critical issue of bleeding risk associated with warfarin therapy, thereby reinforcing the necessity for awareness and caution when drawing blood from these patients.