Question

the phlebotomist needs to draw a glucose tolerance test (gtt) on a patient and notices an empty breakfast plate on the bedside table. which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take? delay performing the draw for 4 hours. call the dietary department to see if the patient ate her breakfast. ask the patient when she last ate or drank. refuse to collect the specimen.

Explanation:

For a glucose tolerance test, the time of the patient's last meal or drink is crucial as it affects test results. The most immediate and appropriate action is to directly ask the patient about when they last ate or drank to assess if the test can be conducted as - scheduled or needs rescheduling. Calling the dietary department may take time and might not provide the most accurate information compared to asking the patient directly. Delaying the draw for 4 hours without knowing the actual time of the last meal is not a proper protocol, and refusing to collect the specimen without further investigation is premature.

Answer:

C. Ask the patient when she last ate or drank.