Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 19 MAS 472 review, 2 to 3 minutes
Choosing an Arm
The idea
This case is constructed for this course. It shows a medical assistant choosing a safe site for a woman with a history of breast cancer surgery and a fear of needles.
In practice
A woman in her sixties needs blood drawn for several tests. When the medical assistant asks about any arm restrictions, she says she had a mastectomy on her left side years ago and was told never to let anyone use that arm. The medical assistant checks the record, which confirms the restriction, and she notes it so no one else uses that arm. The patient also says she has fainted during blood draws before. The medical assistant has her lie down on the exam table, with her right arm extended and supported. She inspects the bend of the right elbow and finds a straight, visible vein in the middle of the area, away from where the veins branch. She explains each step before doing it, and asks the patient to tell her at once if she feels lightheaded. She keeps the tube rack beside her, out of the patient's reach, and has gauze and a bandage ready before she begins. The draw goes smoothly. Afterward, the medical assistant has the patient stay lying down for a few minutes before sitting up slowly.
Where people slip
Two pieces of information changed this draw: the arm restriction and the fainting history. Neither would have been seen by looking at the patient. Asking first, checking the record, and positioning her before the needle came out of its cap prevented both a lymphedema risk and a fall. Noting the restriction in the record protects the patient at every future visit as well.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Medical Assistant Prep