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When Preparing to Draw Blood for a CBC on an Elderly

question 35

Essay

When preparing to draw blood for a CBC on an elderly female patient, the medical assistant sees a large vein in her antecubital area. The MA quickly cleans the site, applies a tourniquet, and attempts a blood draw. She is not successful with the blood draw, even though she feels certain that the needle is within the vein.What important step did the MA skip when she started the process that may have resulted in a successful blood draw?


Definitions:

Countercurrent Mechanism

A mechanism of exchange in which fluids flow in opposite directions, enhancing the transfer of heat or solutes, often found in biological systems like kidneys and fish gills.

Vasa Recta

The network of capillaries surrounding the loop of Henle in the kidney, playing a crucial role in the concentration of urine.

Loop of Henle

A section of the nephron in the kidney that plays a crucial role in concentrating urine and conserving water.

Water Reabsorption

The process by which water is absorbed back into the blood from the filtrate in the kidney tubules.

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