Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

What is an example of negligence in the context of phlebotomy?

1. Failing to follow proper sterilization procedures

2. Failing to report significant changes in a patient's condition

3. Incorrectly labeling blood samples

4. Drawing blood without sanitizing the area

The correct answer is: Failing to report significant changes in a patient's condition

In the context of phlebotomy, negligence refers to the failure to act in a manner that a reasonably competent healthcare professional would in similar circumstances, potentially leading to harm to the patient. The act of failing to report significant changes in a patient's condition is a clear example of negligence because it involves a serious breach of the standard of care. When a Patient Care Technician or any healthcare provider observes a significant change in a patient's condition, such as severe bleeding, changes in vital signs, or unusual patient responses, they have a fundamental responsibility to promptly communicate these changes to the appropriate healthcare team members. This action is crucial because timely intervention can be critical for the patient’s safety and overall outcome. The failure to report such changes could lead to worse clinical outcomes, making it a significant breach of duty that constitutes negligence. In contrast, other options, while also serious concerns within phlebotomy, relate more to procedural errors or issues of safety and practice rather than directly undermining patient observation and response, which is foundational in patient care responsibilities.