When a Patient Calls the Office for the Result of a Laboratory

question 78

Multiple Choice

When a patient calls the office for the result of a laboratory test that happens to be normal, you should ____.

• A) never give the results to the patient
• B) give the patient the results if the physician has authorized that normal results may be given out
• C) take the message and give it to the physician, who will return the patient's call
• D) mail the results to the patient
• E) tell the patient to make an appointment to come in and review the results with the physician

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Definitions:

Postcava

Another term for the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the right atrium of the heart.

Precava

Often referred to as the superior vena cava, it is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart.

Internal Jugular Vein

A major vein that carries blood from the head, brain, face, and neck back towards the heart.

Axillary Vein

A large blood vessel that conveys blood from the lateral aspects of the thorax, armpit, and upper limb toward the heart.